A Highly NIR Emissive Cu16Pd1 Nanocluster

The construction of stable copper nanoclusters (Cu-NCs) with near-infrared (NIR) emission that can be used for catalysis is highly desired, yet remains a challenge. Herein, an atomically precise bimetallic Cu/Pd NC with a molecular formula of Cu16Pd1L10(PPh3)2(Pz)6 (Pz = 3,5-(CF3)2Pyrazolate, L = 4-CH3OPhC≡C-), abbreviated as Cu16Pd1, is synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis of Cu16Pd1 reveals a Cu10Pd1 kernel with pseudo-gyroelongated square bipyramid confirmation surrounded by other 6 Cu(I) ions and protected ligands. Interestingly, it exhibits strong NIR emission with the highest photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) among all the Cu NCs/Cu alloys (λem > 800 nm) in the solid-state, and also displays NIR emission in solution. Experimental results and theoretical calculations suggest that the impressive NIR emission is attributed to abundant supramolecular interactions in the solid-state, including intramolecular metal-metal and intermolecular interactions. Of note, the bimetallic Cu16Pd1 can catalyze the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. This work provides a novel method for synthesizing Cu/Pd NCs and reminds that the less studied Cu/Pd NC can serve as outstanding luminescent material, which is seldom noticed in atomically precise nanoclusters.