Confining Ultrasmall Au Nanoclusters in an Ionic Ir(III)-Based Cage for Selective Photoreduction

Key Points

• This research aims to enhance the balance between activity and stability in metal nanoclusters for more effective catalysis by controlling their microenvironment.
• Developed a method for confining ultrasmall gold (Au) nanoclusters in an ionic Ir(III)-based cage.
• Conducted photoreduction experiments to assess catalysis performance.
• Evaluated selectivity of the confined nanoclusters in different conditions.
• Achieved improved selectivity in photoreduction reactions using confined Au nanoclusters.
• Demonstrated a significant increase in catalytic efficiency compared to non-confined counterparts.
• Stability of catalysis was maintained over extended use, indicating enhanced performance.