Photoluminescent Gold Nanoclusters in Soft Matrices

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School of Science | Doctoral thesis (article-based) | Defence date: 2023-06-29

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en

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68 + app. 60

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Aalto University publication series DOCTORAL THESES, 91/2023

Abstract

Photoluminescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), composed of several to tens of gold atoms, are versatile ultrasmall nanomaterials that show promise in applications like imaging, sensing, lighting, and catalysis. However, the inferior photoluminescence performance and lack of functional properties, have hindered AuNCs from extensive application. This thesis discusses AuNCs confined in three types of soft matrices, namely assemblies, double-layered structures, and polymers. Confinement of AuNCs in the soft matrices can result in great performance improvement and interesting functional properties. The mechanisms behind the performance enhancement and functional properties are studied and discussed. The AuNCs in the soft matrices show potential for various applications. Publication 1 establishes supraparticles as a promising soft matrix for AuNCs, achieving a significant improvement in photoluminescence emission brightness and resistance to photobleaching. Publication 2 reports a dual-layered oxide shell as an effective matrix for AuNCs, achieving comprehensive enhancement in stability. Publication 3 introduces a simple, direct strategy for both generation and encapsulation of AuNCs in the polymer film, exhibiting moderate photoluminescence efficiency and excellent shelf and photo-stability. Publication 4 outlines that confinement of AuNCs in the aliphatic tertiary amine group-rich polymer scaffold leads to pH-responsive near-infrared emission, promising great bio-application potential. Overall, these works demonstrate various strategies for obtaining gold nanoclusters with improved photoluminescence performance and functional properties.

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Supervising professor

Ras, Robin H. A., Prof., Aalto University, Department of Applied Physics, Finland

Thesis advisor

Ras, Robin H. A., Prof., Aalto University, Department of Applied Physics, Finland

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Parts

  • [Publication 1]: Zhou, Shaochen; Peng, Bo; Duan, Yanyan; Liu, Kai; Ikkala, Olli; Ras, Robin. 2022. Bright and Photostable Fluorescent Metal Nanocluster Supraparticles from Invert Emulsions. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, volume 61, issue 40, e2022108.
    Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202209215684
    DOI: 10.1002/anie.202210808 View at publisher
  • [Publication 2]: Zhou, Shaochen; Duan, Yanyan; Liu, Kai; Ras, Robin. 2022. Bright and stable gold nanocluster assemblies by silica/zirconia double-shell encapsulation. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, volume 10, issue 27, pages 10001–10008.
    Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202208104639
    DOI: 10.1039/D2TC00824F View at publisher
  • [Publication 3]: Bitarafan, Mohammad; Zhou, Shaochen; Hänninen, Jussi; Duan, Yanyan; Leino, Martti; Ras, Robin; Toivonen, Juha. 2021. Light-Patterned Fluorescent Gold Nanoclusters in Polycarbonate Film. Optical Materials Express, volume 11, pages 4015-4025.
    DOI: 10.1364/OME.445303 View at publisher
  • [Publication 4]: Zhou, Shaochen; Gustavsson, Lotta; Beaune, Grégory; Chandra, Sourov; Niskanen, Jukka; Timonen, Jaakko V. I.; Ikkala, Olli; Peng, Bo; Ras, Robin. 2023. pH-Responsive Near-Infrared Emitting Gold Nanoclusters. Submitted to Angewandte Chemie International Edition

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