Atomically Precise Au₂₅(SG)₁₈ Nanoclusters: Rapid Single-Step Synthesis and Application in Photothermal Therapy

Abstract

Remarkable recent advances on Au₂₅(SR)₁₈ nanoclusters have led to significant applications in catalysis, sensing, and magnetism. However, the existing synthetic routes are complicated, particularly for the water-soluble Au₂₅(SG)₁₈ nanoclusters. Here, we report a single-step concentration and temperature-controlled method for rapid synthesis of the Au₂₅(SG)₁₈ nanoclusters in as little as 2 h without the need for low-temperature reaction or even stirring. A systematic time-based investigation was carried out to study the effects of volume, concentration, and temperature on the synthesis of these nanoclusters. Further, we discovered for the first time that the Au₂₅(SG)₁₈ nanoclusters exhibit excellent photothermal activities in achieving 100% cell death for MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells at a power of 10 W/cm² using an 808 nm laser source, demonstrating applications toward photothermal therapy.