Session: Nanomaterials:

Gold nanostructures have garnered considerable research interest over the recent years due to the multitude of distinct and desirable properties they possess. Due to its exceptional stability, facile synthesis, and the ease with which is physiochemical properties can be altered to suit specific applications, one of the most investigated gold nanostructures is the thiol capped Au₂₅ nanocluster. Recent studies have shown this cluster can be easily doped with other metallic atoms, with NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography being used to determine the placement and effects of these dopants. The goal of this project is to optimize the syntheses of metal doped Au₂₄M(SR)₁₈ (M= Pt, 4Hg, Cd) and Au_25-xAg_x(SR)₁₈ clusters by altering specific parameters such as the thiol chain used. The main objective is to improve the fluorescent quantum yield (QY) of these clusters. Furthermore, our work will investigate using natural plant extracts as highly fluorescent dyes; preliminary data showed these extracts may be effective at upgrading the cluster QY. Once synthesized, we aim to use UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy to explore potential ways to apply these clusters in various fields.

Dariush Aligholizadeh

Appearances