Polymorphism in magic-sized Au144(SR)60 clusters.
Ultra-small, magic-sized metal nanoclusters represent an important new class of materials with properties between molecules and particles. However, their small size challenges the conventional methods for structure characterization. Here we present the structure of ultra-stable Au144(SR)60 magic-sized nanoclusters obtained from atomic pair distribution function analysis of X-ray powder diffraction data. The study reveals structural polymorphism in these archetypal nanoclusters. In addition to confirming the theoretically predicted icosahedral-cored cluster, we also find samples with a truncated decahedral core structure, with some samples exhibiting a coexistence of both cluster structures. Although the clusters are monodisperse in size, structural diversity is apparent. The discovery of polymorphism may open up a new dimension in nanoscale engineering.
Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA.
Kirsten M Ø
KM
Jensen
Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
Pavol
0000-0001-8751-4458
P
Juhas
Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
Marcus A
MA
Tofanelli
Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
Christine L
CL
Heinecke
European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 38043 Grenoble, France.
Gavin
G
Vaughan
Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
Christopher J
CJ
Ackerson
Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA.|Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
Simon J L
0000-0002-9734-4998
SJ
Billinge
D000465:Algorithms; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D010316:Particle Size; D013696:Temperature; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D006046:Gold