Unusual fcc-structured Ag(10) kernels trapped in Ag(70) nanoclusters

Controlled trapping atom-precise ultrasmall silver nanoparticles into silver nanoclusters is challenging; thus only limited progress has been made in this area. We are therefore inspired to isolate two novel silver nanoclusters, Ag(10)@Ag(70) (SD/Ag80a and SD/Ag80b; SD = SunDi), where a novel fcc-structured Ag(10) kernel built from two single-edge opened Ag(6) octahedra by sharing one edge is trapped. The bioctahedral Ag(10) kernel is locked by a pair of Mo(7)O(26)(10–) anions to form an inner Ag(10)@(Mo(7)O(26))(2) core which is further encapsulated by an outer Ag(70) shell to form three-shell Ag(10)@(Mo(7)O(26))(2)@Ag(70) nanoclusters. Notably, the bioctahedral Ag(10) kernel has not been observed in silver nanoclusters ever before, thus representing a new embryo state of silver nanoparticles. SD/Ag80a emits in the near infrared (NIR) region (λ(em) = 730 nm) at low temperature. This work will deepen our understanding on the atomic-level growth of silver nanoparticles and complicated three-shell self-assembly involving polyoxometalate (POM) and two different silver nanoclusters.