Toward the Creation of Functionalized Metal Nanoclusters and Highly Active Photocatalytic Materials Using Thiolate-Protected Magic Gold Clusters

Abstract Advances in developments in nanotechnology have encouraged the creation of highly functionalized nanomaterials. Thiolate-protected gold clusters (Aun(SR)m) less than 2 nm in size exhibit size-specific physical and chemical properties not observed in bulk metals. Therefore, they have attracted attention as functional units or building blocks in nanotechnology. The highly stable, magic Aun(SR)m clusters possess great potential as new nanomaterials. We are studying the following subjects related to magic Aun(SR)m clusters: (1) establishing methods to enhance their functionality, (2) developing high-resolution separation methods, and (3) utilizing the clusters as active sites in photocatalytic materials. Through these studies, we aim to create highly functional metal nanoclusters and apply them as highly active photocatalytic materials. The results of our efforts to date are summarized in this paper.