Metal–ligand interfaces for well-defined gold nanoclusters

Ligand engineering for well-defined gold nanoclusters(Au NCs) is getting more extensive attention. Organizing the Au-ligand interfaces on gold NCs can achieve the structural and functional control. This review focuses on the Au-ligand interfaces including gold-phosphorus(Au-P), gold-sulfur(Au-S), gold-selenium(Au-Se), gold-carbon(Au-C), and gold-nitrogen(Au-N), derived from the bonding between Au atoms and the different ligands(e.g., organic phosphine, thiolate, selenolate, alkynyl,n-heterocyclic carbene and nitrogenous ligands). The formation mechanism of Au-ligand interfaces is well discussed. In addition, the effects of Au-ligand interfaces on the stability, optical property, and catalysis are also presented. We hope the advances in this research area can boost the development of Au NC sciences.