Covalently binding atomically designed Au9 clusters to chemically modified graphene

Atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to identify individual Au9 clusters on a sulfur functionalized graphene surface. The clusters were pre-formed in solution and covalently attached to the surface without any dispersion or aggregation. Comparison of the experimental images with simulations allowed the rotational motion of individual clusters to be discerned, without lateral displacement, demonstrating a robust covalent attachment of intact clusters to the graphene surface