Tailoring the photoluminescence of AIE-type gold nanoclusters biomineralization-inspired polymorphism.

Tailoring the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics of well-defined metal nanoclusters (MNCs) is highly sought after for numerous practical applications. Studies have primarily focused on assembling AIE-type MNCs using monomorphic molecules. Achieving polymorphic assemblies, with different molecular arrangements could provide valuable insights into the role of external molecular matrices on the photoluminescence (PL) behaviour of these NCs.

Unravelling structural insights into ligand-induced photoluminescence mechanisms of sulfur dots.

Sulfur dots (S-QDs) hold promise as a new category of metal-free, luminescent nanomaterials, yet their practical application faces challenges primarily due to a limited understanding of their structure and its impact on their optical properties. Herein, by employing a spectrum of aliphatic and aromatic ligands, we identify the surface structure and composition of S-QDs while delineating the pivotal role of ligands in inducing photoluminescence. Thiol-functionalized ligands, such as 4-mercapto benzoic acid and glutathione, notably promote the formation of both green and blue luminescent S-QDs, boosting a high quantum yield of up to 56%.

Molecular Packing-Driven Manipulation of Aggregation Induced Emission in Gold Nanoclusters.

A key limitation of supramolecular force-driven molecular assembly in aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials is the need to precisely regulate molecular interactions within the assembly. Achieving such assemblies with in situ manipulable molecular arrangements could provide valuable insights into the role of molecular forces in AIE. Herein, by using glutathione-protected gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) as a model AIE material and a naturally occurring polyphenol, tannic acid (TA), as the assembling agent, we demonstrate that assemblies dominated by covalent bonds and hydrogen bonding show enhanced AIE, while those dominated by π-π stacking promote charge transfer, resulting in significant photoluminescence (PL) quenching.

Strategic framework for harnessing luminescent metal nanocluster assemblies in biosensing applications.

The distinctive physicochemical attributes of ultra-small metal nanoclusters (MNCs) resembling those of molecules make them versatile constituents for self-assembled frameworks. This critical review scrutinizes the influence of assembly on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of MNCs and investigates their utility in biosensing applications. The investigation is initiated with an assessment of the shift from individual MNCs to assemblies and its repercussions on PL efficacy.

Depletion-Guided Engineering of Nanoshell-like Gold Nanocluster Assemblies with Enhanced Peroxidase-like Nanozyme Activity.

Functional superstructures constructed from metal nanoclusters (MNCs) hold great promise in providing highly tunable photoluminescence (PL), catalytic activity, photothermal stability, and biological functionality. However, their controlled synthesis with well-defined size, structure, and properties remains a significant challenge. Herein, we introduce a novel approach that combines depletion attraction and thermal activation to induce the formation of spherical superclusters (AuSCs) from Au(I)-thiolate complexes within the assembly.

Surface Stoichiometry and Depth Profile of Ti-CuN Thin Films Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering.

We report the surface stoichiometry of Tix-CuyNz thin film as a function of film depth. Films are deposited by high power impulse (HiPIMS) and DC magnetron sputtering (DCMS). The composition of Ti, Cu, and N in the deposited film is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Optical and Electronic Structural Properties of CuN Thin Films: A First-Principles Study (LDA + ).

A comprehensive study on the electronic structure and optical properties of a CuN film is performed by the first-principles study using density functional theory. The Hubbard () term is added in the local density approximation approach for improvement of the theoretical band gap energy. The band structure of the CuN unit cell shows a strong hybridization of Cu 3d and N 2p orbitals in the near-valence band region () because of their antibonding states which are also observed by molecular orbitals (HOMO-LUMO).