Single-Source Precursors for Alloyed Gold–Silver Nanocrystals - A Molecular Metallurgy Approach

Multiple
silver­(I)-aurates­(I) have been prepared by salt metathesis reactions
that act as efficient single-source precursors to colloidal gold silver
alloys with the highest possible atom economy in the chemical synthesis
of nanostructures. The CF3 group present on the Au cation
acts as an in situ reducing agent and can be converted into CO ligands
by simple hydrolysis. This ligand-mediated activation and subsequent
decomposition of metal–organic precursors impose a molecular
control over the nucleation process, producing homogeneously alloyed
(Ag–Au) nanoparticles with an atomic Au:Ag ratio of 1:1. The
concept also works for the Au–Cu system and acts as a pointer
to replace Au (Ag) with less expensive (Cu) metals.