Bonding States in Molecular-Scale MoSI Nanowire-Gold Nanoparticle Networks

Mo(6)S(9-x)I(x) (MoSI) molecular nanowires have been recently shown to form intriguing large-scale self-assembled networks using specific bonding with gold nanoparticles in solution. Despite a consistent number of microscopic studies that have been reported in the literature, a definite study of the nanowire-nanoparticle bonding state is still missing. This paper represents a step forward in the understanding of the structure of these networks through a detailed bonding state analysis. We demonstrate that during the network formation, there is a strong chemical interaction between gold atoms belonging to the nanoparticles and the elements constituting the nanowire's skeleton. Moreover, it is shown that part of the nanowire's integrity is lost. Evidence for such behavior is reported through spectroscopic and microscopic observations using the Mo(6)S(4.5)I(4.5) stoichiometry.