Chiral metal nanocluster within nanoarchitecture of fullerene C60: Chirality transfer and improvement of nonlinear optical property

Interaction between heterogeneous, nanometer-sized building blocks (NSBBs) is fascinating from viewpoints of both structures and functions. We report the co-assembly of fullerene C60 and a chiral silver nanocluster (Ag6), which yields C60 nanoarchitecture decorated with a small amount of Ag6. While Ag6 exhibits circular dichroism (CD) signal mainly in the ultraviolet (UV) region, the signal of the C60-Ag6 hybrid extends to visible region (over 700 nm). Up to five pairs of CD signals were distinguished, which match well with the absorption of the C60 crystal. The successful chirality transfer from the guest of Ag6 to C60-dominated supramolecular system indicates that the "sergeants and soldiers" effect is valid in architectonics of NSBBs. In addition, the doping of Ag6 leads to pronounced nonlinear optical response, paving a new way for the development of chiral optical materials.