Real-space imaging with pattern recognition of a ligand-protected Ag374 nanocluster at sub-molecular resolution

Qin Zhou, Sami Kaappa, Sami Malola, Hui Lu, Dawei Guan, Yajuan Li, Haochen Wang, Zhaoxiong Xie, Zhibo Ma (), Hannu Häkkinen (), Nanfeng Zheng (), Xueming Yang and Lansun Zheng
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Qin Zhou: Xiamen University
Sami Kaappa: University of Jyväskylä
Sami Malola: University of Jyväskylä
Hui Lu: Chinese Academy of Science
Dawei Guan: Chinese Academy of Science
Yajuan Li: Chinese Academy of Science
Haochen Wang: Chinese Academy of Science
Zhaoxiong Xie: Xiamen University
Zhibo Ma: Chinese Academy of Science
Hannu Häkkinen: University of Jyväskylä
Nanfeng Zheng: Xiamen University
Xueming Yang: Chinese Academy of Science
Lansun Zheng: Xiamen University

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract High-resolution real-space imaging of nanoparticle surfaces is desirable for better understanding of surface composition and morphology, molecular interactions at the surface, and nanoparticle chemical functionality in its environment. However, achieving molecular or sub-molecular resolution has proven to be very challenging, due to highly curved nanoparticle surfaces and often insufficient knowledge of the monolayer composition. Here, we demonstrate sub-molecular resolution in scanning tunneling microscopy imaging of thiol monolayer of a 5 nm nanoparticle Ag374 protected by tert-butyl benzene thiol. The experimental data is confirmed by comparisons through a pattern recognition algorithm to simulated topography images from density functional theory using the known total structure of the Ag374 nanocluster. Our work demonstrates a working methodology for investigations of structure and composition of organic monolayers on curved nanoparticle surfaces, which helps designing functionalities for nanoparticle-based applications.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05372-5

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