Atomic-Precise Active Site Surgery on Carboranylthiolate-Protected Silver Nanocluster Catalysts

Although significant progress has been made in precisely modulating the composition and structure of metal nanoclusters to tailor their properties, the well-controlled synthesis of metal nanoclusters with unsaturated coordination environments and highly active sites to enhance the catalytic performance remains remarkably challenging. Here, we propose an atomic-level surgical strategy involving the stepwise creation and manipulation of active metal sites on metal nanoclusters. A newly constructed Ag17P nanocluster, costabilized by carboranethiolate and phosphine ligands, features an Ag13 icosahedral kernel capped by four tetrahedrally symmetrical silver atoms. Taking advantage of the phosphine ligands readily…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 22205213, 22103072, U24A20479, 22271258, 92461304, 92356304
• ZU
  Zhengzhou University
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province

  Award: 242300421631