X-ray Spectroscopy of Gold-Thiolate Nanoclusters

Exciting research on goldthiolate nanoclusters (AuSR NCs) has recently emerged thanks to the breakthroughs in their chemical synthesis and structural determination. Herein is presented representative work regarding X-ray spectroscopy studies of AuSR NCs, including clusters such as Au-144, Au-38, Au-36, Au-25, Au24Pt, and Au-19. It is demonstrated that synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques are unique and powerful tools for probing the structural and electronic properties of AuSR NCs. Emphasis is placed on X-ray studies from a site- and element-specific perspective conducted under variable experimental conditions (e.g., solvation, temperature, etc.). For the convenience of researchers with little or no previous experience in X-ray spectroscopy, some background information on the theory of XAS and XPS techniques is also provided.