This lecture delves into the distinctive optical and electronic characteristics of metal nanoclusters (NCs), with a specific focus on luminescent noble metal NCs, through two interconnected research avenues:
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Luminescent Noble Metal Nanoclusters for Solar Energy Applications.
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Noble Metal Nanoclusters in Biomedical Applications.
In the pursuit of advancing photovoltaic technology beyond conventional silicon and emerging perovskite solar cells, Grätzel et al. pioneered the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). This line of investigation integrates natural pigments like carotenoids with noble metal NCs to form bio–nano hybrids. These bio-inspired luminescent materials hold the potential to enhance light absorption, charge transfer efficiency, and overall stability in next-generation photovoltaic systems. Computational quantum chemistry tools, notably Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT), play pivotal roles in designing advanced nanomaterials for DSSCs, aiming to enhance their efficiency and durability. The strategy involves harnessing the optical properties of noble metal nanoclusters (such as gold and silver) in synergy with environmentally sourced organic dyes. Our research group has developed a theoretical framework focused on enhancing anthocyanins' properties by employing the donor–acceptor concept. This involves binding dye molecules with noble metal nanoclusters to form complex bio–nano hybrids (Dye@NC), optimizing their adsorption on TiO2 surfaces. Beyond solar energy applications, noble metal nanoclusters are gaining prominence in medical diagnostics, imaging, and sensing due to their unique quantum effects and exceptional optical properties. This lecture highlights the interdisciplinary approach merging photophysics and photochemistry with materials science and nanotechnology to explore the potential of luminescent noble metal nanoclusters in advancing both solar energy conversion technologies and biomedical applications.
