Syntheses of N-Heterocyclic carbenes-stabilized metallic nanoclusters and nanoparticles

Overview & Synopsis

In this work we developed a new synthesis of phosphine and N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs)-stabilized gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) through the reduction of AuClPPh3 by NaBH4 in the presence of imidazolium salts as NHC precursors. The samples were characterized by various techniques, especially electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Most of the nanoclusters which were obtained are stabilized by PPh3. However, a very stable Au11(PPh3)7(NHC)Br2+ nanocluster was synthesized. The follow-up of the aging of the samples by ESI-MS showed the evolution of the composition of the suspensions over time. Less stable nanocluster structures did not remain in suspension with aging. Then, a second synthesis was performed by reduction of HAuCl4.3H2O by NaBH4 in the presence of imidazolium salts as NHC precursors and NaH as base. Gold nanoclusters stabilized by NHCs were obtained with different gold nuclearities. A strong effect of the NHC ligand on the nature of the obtained nanoclusters was revealed. Synthesis with the imidazolium salt 1,3-didodecylimidazoliumbromide (C12-Br) allowed the formation of very stable [Au13(C12)9Br3]2+ nanocluster. Finally, the synthesis of Ag2S nanoparticles stabilized by water-soluble NHCs has been reported. A silver-NHC complex was synthesized and then placed in the presence of an S2- source. The synthesis by microwave heating gave promising results since Ag2S nanoparticles emitting in the second infrared window was demonstrated. Indeed, this is the window of transparency of biological tissues which is of interest for biological applications.