We determine the first solution‐state structure of a DNA‐stabilised Ag16Cl2 nanocluster using X‑ray total scattering and pair distribution function analysis. We find that the structure in solution exhibits both displacive and rotational distortions compared to the known crystal structure. Additionally, our measurements are sensitive towards changes in DNA conformation, revealing that the DNA scaffold in solution exhibits significantly more flexibility than when conformationally locked in the crystalline form. Our results demonstrate the capability to determine the structure of DNA‐stabilised clusters beyond their crystallised form, an essential step towards understanding differences between their solution‐phase and solid‐state photophysical properties.

中文翻译：

---

溶液中 DNA 稳定的 Ag16Cl2 纳米簇的结构


我们使用 X 射线全散射和对分布函数分析确定了 DNA 稳定的 Ag16Cl2 纳米簇的第一个溶液态结构。我们发现，与已知的晶体结构相比，溶液中的结构同时表现出位移和旋转畸变。此外，我们的测量对 DNA 构象的变化很敏感，表明溶液中的 DNA 支架比构象锁定在晶体形式中时表现出更大的灵活性。我们的结果表明，能够确定 DNA 稳定簇的结构，超越其结晶形式，这是了解其液相和固态光物理特性之间差异的重要一步。