Influence of Halogen–Solvent Hydrogen Bonding on Gold Nanocluster Photoluminescence
Daniel J. Heintzelman, Seth A. Nelson, Kenneth L. Knappenberger
Abstract
, where X = Cl or Br, as a model system, the dramatic influence of halogen-solvent hydrogen bonding on nanocluster optical properties was resolved. The creation of a nanocluster-solvent hydrogen-bond network yielded intense photoluminescence (PL) and an accompanying 2-fold reduction in vibration-mediated nonradiative decay rates. PL was quenched for systems that did not support hydrogen bonding. As reflected by absorption line widths, Raman scattering, and transient absorption spectroscopy measurements, the hydrogen-bond network increased nanocluster structural rigidity and reduced nonradiative carrier decay rates. The results highlight the significant role of the nanocluster-solvent interface in determining the properties of structurally precise materials.