Metal Nanoclusters as Versatile Building Blocks for Hierarchical Structures

Atomically precise monolayer-protected metal clusters (nanoclusters) are currently in the focus of interest due to their strongly size-dependent properties, which gives rise to different applications, and the possibility to study the evolution of structure as a function of size. The use of truly monodisperse metal clusters as building blocks for the preparation of hierarchical structures offers exciting possibilities for the design of new materials. In this overview article we describe the current state of the art in the field of assembly of nanoclusters in one, two and three dimensions. The nanoclusters show rich chemistry that can be used for their assembly. Several reports indicate that, within the assemblies of clusters, their photoluminescence is enhanced. Although there is already a considerable body of reports on the assembly of nanoclusters, we believe that much more exciting properties of nanocluster assemblies will be discovered in the future.