X-ray Spectroscopy of Gold–Thiolate Nanoclusters

Exciting research on gold–thiolate 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, Au 24 Pt, 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.