title: Nanocluster size evolution studied by mass spectrometry in room temperature Au25(SR)18 synthesis.
abstract: We show that MALDI mass spectrometry, suitable for mixtures, is an indispensable tool in probing the mechanism of nanocluster synthesis enabling positive identification of nanoclusters. The size evolution of the mixture of larger clusters (Au(102), Au(68), Au(38)) to form highly monodisperse Au(25) nanoclusters is demonstrated and probably includes the participation of Au(I) thiolate. The size evolution via structural reconstruction of the larger cores such as 38, approximately 44, 68, and 102 to a Au(25) nanocluster has been discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA.
authors.forename: Asantha C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Dharmaratne
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Krick
authors.forename: Amala
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dass
mesh_terms: D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D006046:Gold