On-Surface Synthesis Of Size- And Shape-Controlled Two-Dimensional Au-N Nanoclusters Using A Flexible Fullerene Molecular Template

Synthesizing nano-clusters with a well-defined size, shape, and composition is an important and challenging goal in nanotechnology. Here we report the application of a single layer C-60 molecule as an effective molecular template for the synthesis of size- and shape-selected two-dimensional gold clusters (Au-n) on a graphite substrate. This molecular template facilitates the preferential formation of Au-19 clusters with a selectivity as high as 90%. Density-functional-theory (DFT) calculations found an energy minimum associated with C-60-stabilized two-dimensional Au-19 clusters.