Subject Area
Chemistry
Abstract
Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (MNCs) represent a new regime of highly versatile synthetic materials, with far-reaching applications. Distinct from polydisperse nanoparticles, nanoclusters are molecularly pure compounds which lie on the 1-3 nm scale. This small size enables nanoclusters to exhibit definable HOMO/LUMO band gaps and discrete optical transitions, similar to semiconductor quantum dots. Their fluorescence and phosphorescence characteristics allow them to be used as molecular recognition agents for environmental and bodily contaminants/toxins; this “chemosensing” ability is industrially desirable for the sensitive detection of pesticides, heavy metals, etc., in drinking water, soil, blood, urine, and other settings. Additionally, bimetallic and trimetallic alloyed nanoclusters have been shown to exhibit increased photoluminescence properties. Specifically, NIR-emissive nanoclusters are coveted for medicinal applications such as bioimaging and therapeutics. Further, photoactive clusters can be used as homogeneous catalysts for organic syntheses. However, studies of alloyed nanoclusters remain underexplored, necessitating both more syntheses of multimetal nanoclusters as well as careful cross examination of the effects of heteroatoms by identity, number, and placement in the crystal structure. Herein is a background review of the use of nanoclusters as fluorescent chemosensors, followed by the synthesis and characterization of three novel bimetallic clusters. Each clusters’ optical and luminescence properties are evaluated, including applications in triplet sensitization for singlet oxygen catalysis.
Degree Date
Summer 8-5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department
Chemistry
Advisor
Dr. Anindita Das
Number of Pages
90
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Griffin, Katherine E., "Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters For Light-Driven Applications: Fluorescence Chemosensing, Triplet Sensitization, and Aggregation-Induced Emission" (2025). Chemistry Theses and Dissertations. 57.
https://scholar.smu.edu/hum_sci_chemistry_etds/57
