Identifying the superatomic AuCu 56 nanocluster through a ligand-exchange coupled metal-exchange induced transformation

a ligand-exchange coupled metal-exchange induced transformation. Detailed studies through mass spectrometry provided insights into the nanocluster formation, and theoretical studies revealed the superatomic nature of the nanocluster. Moreover, the as-synthesized nanocluster exhibited a broad optical absorption, leading to good photocurrent response under UV illumination. This work introduces a novel doping strategy that enables us to realize a rare superatomic valence state in an alloy cluster and to explore its unique light-induced properties.