Suppression of kernel vibrations by layer-by-layer ligand engineering boosts photoluminescence efficiency of gold nanoclusters

Yuan Zhong, Jiangwei Zhang, Tingting Li, Wenwu Xu, Qiaofeng Yao, Min Lu, Xue Bai, Zhennan Wu (), Jianping Xie () and Yu Zhang ()
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Yuan Zhong: Jilin University
Jiangwei Zhang: Inner Mongolia University
Tingting Li: Jilin Jianzhu University
Wenwu Xu: Ningbo University
Qiaofeng Yao: International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City
Min Lu: Jilin University
Xue Bai: Jilin University
Zhennan Wu: Jilin University
Jianping Xie: National University of Singapore
Yu Zhang: Jilin University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract The restriction of structural vibration has assumed great importance in attaining bright emission of luminescent metal nanoclusters (NCs), where tremendous efforts are devoted to manipulating the surface landscape yet remain challenges for modulation of the structural vibration of the metal kernel. Here, we report efficient suppression of kernel vibration achieving enhancement in emission intensity, by rigidifying the surface of metal NCs and propagating as-developed strains into the metal core. Specifically, a layer-by-layer triple-ligands surface engineering is deployed to allow the solution-phase Au NCs with strong metal core-dictated fluorescence, up to the high absolute quantum yields of 90.3 ± 3.5%. The as-rigidified surface imposed by synergistic supramolecular interactions greatly influences the low-frequency acoustic vibration of the metal kernel, resulting in a subtle change in vibration frequency but a reduction in amplitude of oscillation. This scenario therewith impedes the non-radiative relaxation of electron dynamics, rendering the Au NCs with strong emission. The presented study exemplifies the linkage between surface chemistry and core-state emission of metal NCs, and proposes a strategy for brighter emitting metal NCs by regulating their interior metal core-involved motion.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36387-2

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