The induced structural transformation provides an efficient way to precisely modulate the fine structures and the corresponding performance of gold nanoclusters, thus constituting one of the important research topics in cluster chemistry. However, the driving forces and mechanisms of these processes are still ambiguous in many cases, limiting further applications. In this work, based on the unique coordination mode of the pincer ligand-stabilized gold nanocluster Au₈(PNP)₄, we revealed the site-recognition mechanism for induced transformations of gold nanoclusters. The “open nitrogen sites” on the surface of the nanocluster interact with different inducers including organic compounds and metals and trigger the conversion of Au₈(PNP)₄ to Au₁₃ and Au₉Ag₄ nanoclusters, respectively. Control experiments verified the site-recognition mechanism, and the femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed the electronic and photoluminescent evolution accompanied by the structural transformation.

中文翻译：

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位点识别诱导的金钳纳米团簇的结构和光致发光演化

诱导结构转变为精确调控金纳米团簇的精细结构和相应性能提供了一种有效的方法，从而成为团簇化学的重要研究课题之一。然而，这些过程的驱动力和机制在许多情况下仍然不明确，限制了进一步的应用。在本工作中，基于钳形配体稳定的金纳米团簇Au ₈ (PNP) ₄的独特配位模式，我们揭示了金纳米团簇诱导转变的位点识别机制。纳米团簇表面的“开放氮位点”与包括有机化合物和金属在内的不同诱导剂相互作用，并分别触发Au ₈ (PNP) ₄转化为Au ₁₃和Au ₉ Ag ₄纳米团簇。对照实验验证了位点识别机制，飞秒和纳秒瞬态吸收光谱揭示了伴随结构转变的电子和光致发光演化。