Question

What is the meaning of “Size resolved” metal nano cluster?

Answer 1

Metal nanoclusters consist of a small number of atoms, at most in the tens. These nanoclusters can be composed either of a single or of multiple elements, and typically measure less than 2 nm.[1][2] Such nanoclusters exhibit attractive electronic, optical, and chemical properties compared to their larger counterparts.[1][2][3][4] Materials can be categorized into three different regimes, namely bulk, nanoparticles or nanostructures and atomic clusters. Bulk metals are electrical conductors and good optical reflectors, while metal nanoparticlesdisplay intense colors due to surface plasmonresonance.[3][4] When the size of metal nanoclusters is further reduced, to 1 nm or less, in other words to just a few atoms, the band structure becomes discontinuous and breaks down into discrete energy levels, somewhat similar to the energy levels of molecules.[3][4][5][6][7]

Therefore, a nanocluster behaves like a molecule and does not exhibit plasmonicbehavior; nanoclusters are known as the bridging link between atoms and nanoparticles.

Answer 2

These can include, e.g., fullerens, metal clusters(agglomerates of metal atoms), large molecules, such as proteins, and even hydrogen-bonded assemblies of water.