Small but mighty: Showcasing precision nanocluster formation with molecular traps

Nanoclusters (NCs) of transition metals like cobalt or nickel have widespread purposes in drug supply and water purification, with smaller NCs exhibiting improved functionalities. Downsizing NCs is, nevertheless, often difficult. Now, scientists have demonstrated useful NC formation with atomic-scale precision. They efficiently grew cobalt NCs on flat copper surfaces utilizing molecular arrays as traps. This breakthrough paves the best way for developments like single-atom catalysis and spintronics miniaturization.