Electronic structure of dendrimer-encapsulated Au nanocluster

We have carried out optical and X-ray photoemission studies of the dendrimer-encapsulated Au nanoclusters. The dendrimer-encapsulated Au nanoclusters are prepared by the chemical reduction of Au ions loaded within the dendrimer templates. Photoluminescence spectrum of the dendrimer-encapsulated Au nanoclusters with diameter of about 1.0 nm shows the visible luminescence centered at about 2.8 eV. In addition, we have measured the nanocluster-size dependent photoemission spectra in the valence-band region. From line shape analysis of Au 4f X-ray photoemission spectra, Au 4f core-level spectra of the dendrimer-encapsulated Au nanoclusters reflect the size dependent chemical-states. From these results, we discuss electronic structures and chemical states of the dendrimer-encapsulated Au nanoclusters.