Atomically precise Ag 26 nanocluster with a layered core: Synthesis, total structure and photocatalysis

Numerous atomically precise coinage metal nanoclusters have been synthesized, exhibiting diverse structures and promising properties for catalytic and other functional applications. However, silver nanoclusters featuring layered core structures remain largely unexplored, limiting investigations into the effects of atomic arrangements on catalytic functions. Herein, we report the synthesis and atomic level structure of a novel thiolate-phosphine co-stabilized silver nanocluster, Ag26(SR)16(DPPE)4Cl2 (denoted as Ag26), where SR is 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzenethiolate and DPPE is 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that Ag26 comprises a three-layered Ag18 core, with each layer consisting of six silver atoms arranged in a distorted parallelogram configuration. This Ag18 core is stabilized by four Ag2(SR)4(DPPE) metal-ligand motifs and two ch…