Single phase preparation of monodispersed silver nanoclusters using a unique electron transfer and cluster stabilising agent, triethylamine

Abstract

A simple and reproducible single phase preparation of 2.5 nm silver nanoclusters is described using silver benzoate along with triethylamine (TEA) and dodecanethiol (DDT); these spontaneously self-assemble to a two-dimensional array whereas in the absence of thiol only polydispersed nanoclusters are obtained.