Modulating the crystalline assembly of paramagnetic Au25 nanoclusters using an external magnetic field

Abstract

Metal nanoclusters hold great potential for their use as atomically precise building units to construct well-defined assembly structures with accurate structure–property correlation. The external field induction approach towards nanocluster assembly was considered to be beneficial for practical assembly and post-treatment. Herein, we report the modulation of the Au₂₅⁰ crystalline assembly structure using a magnetic field accompanied by thermal treatment. The introduction of a magnetic field gives rise to not only a more compact packing structure but also different influences on the ligands, staples, and kernel configuration. The magnetic field also has a significant impact on the magnetic behavior of Au₂₅⁰ single crystals including paramagnetism intensity and magnetic anisotropy. This work opens new avenues toward the control of the assembly structure and magnetic properties of metal nanoclusters.