We
report the formation of two-dimensional single crystalline nanosheets
of Cu nanoclusters by complexation with Zn metal ion. The so-formed
crystals, with augmented prompt photoluminescence and lifetime, exhibited
delayed photoluminescence at room temperature with a quantum yield
of 83.6 ± 1.3% and a lifetime of 26.4 ± 0.7 μs. The
delayed photoluminescence lifetime was further increased to 145.0
± 7.7 μs by surface functionalization of the nanosheets
with 8-hydroxyquinoline. The surface complexation led to the generation
of a new emitting channel in the crystal, which thus formed a single
nanocomponent with dual channel emitting prompt and delayed near-white
light.
Deterministic chemical stacking of
two-dimensional materials with
controlled symmetry is a synthetic chemistry challenge that deserves
attention. It is plausible that depending on the angle of stacking
the material properties of the assembly could be tuned. Herein, we
report 30° twisted stacking of two-dimensional nanosheets of
a hexagonal assembly of organic ligand-stabilized Cu nanoclusters
formed through a Zn2+-mediated complexation reaction. Electron
diffraction in transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence
of regions of dodecagonal symmetry with the apparent loss of translation
symmetry. Photoluminescence measurements indicated the formation of
the stacked assembly in the liquid medium. The as-synthesized twisted
stacking structure exhibited superior delayed photoluminescence and
chemical stabilityin the presence of molecular iodineas
compared to the hexagonal crystal. The discovery can lead to a bright
future in exploring new chemical and physical properties through the
design of stacked assemblies of luminescent or other materials.
Chemically programmed angular stacking of two-dimensional (2D) assembly into interactive superstructures - such as moiré superlattices - may bring novel physical and chemical properties purely due to interlayer interactions. Herein,...
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