Modulating the\nLigand Bulkiness on a Series of Au<sub>36</sub>(SR)<sub>24</sub> Nanoclusters\nfor Photoluminescence Enhancement

Atomically precise, quantum-sized gold nanoclusters (NCs)\nexhibit\ninteresting photoluminescence (PL) properties because of their quantized\nelectronic energy levels and semiconductor nature. Among several parameters,\nthe surface motifs play a crucial role in controlling the PL properties\nof the gold NCs. Here, a series of Au<sub>36</sub>(SR)<sub>24</sub> NCs with varying ligand bulkiness at the para-position of benzenethiolates\nare synthesized and their PL properties are explored. Detailed photophysical\nstudies revealed that the PL quantum yield (QY) of these NCs can be\ntailored by tuning the ligand bulkiness. Moreover, the single-crystal\nX-ray diffraction (SCXRD) comparison of the structural patterns and\ninterligand interactions in these Au<sub>36</sub>(SR)<sub>24</sub> NCs helped in the comprehension of the photophysical properties\nin a superior way. Overall, this work provides interesting insights\ninto custom tailoring the structure of atomically precise NCs to find\napplications in these potential fields.