Helical self-assemblies of molecule-like coinage metal nanoclusters and their emerging applications

Abstract

Ligand protected atomically precise coinage metal (Au, Ag, Cu) nanoclusters (NCs) have attracted considerable interest for their distinctive structural self-assemblies. A recent trend involves exploring the creation of synthetic NCs capable of self-assembling into diverse superstructures with compact helical conformations. These interesting structures are analogous to folded states found in natural proteins. The formation of such supramolecular self-assemblies of NCs is primarily dictated by subtle intra and inter-cluster non-covalent interactions. These include C-H‧‧‧π, π‧‧‧π, H‧‧‧H, and auro/argento/cupro-philic interactions mediated through surface ligands and metal cores. This review offers a comprehensive insight into the self-assembly mechanisms governing cluster-based helical superstructures. It presents a meticulously designed approach tailored for the construction of atomically precise helical supramolecular materials, specifically focusing on coinage metal NCs. Additionally, it explores the amplification of physicochemical properties triggered by self-assembly and delves into their potential applications in chiral recognition, enantioselective catalysis, molecular sensing and photoluminescence studies. The subject addressed in this review is closely linked to cutting-edge advancements in the precise coinage metal NCs field.