Continuous flow synthesis of atom-precise platinum clusters

Subnanometer clusters with precise atom numbers hold immense potential for applications in catalysis, as
single atoms can significantly impact catalytic properties. Typically, inorganic clusters are produced using
batch processes with high dilutions, making the scale-up of these processes time-consuming and its
reproducibility challenging. While continuous-flow systems have been employed for organic synthesis
and, more recently, nanoparticle preparation, these approaches have only rarely been applied to cluster
synthesis. In a flexible, continuous flow synthesis platform, we integrate multiple continuous stirred tank
reactors (CSTR) into a cascade to synthesize clusters with a precise number of atoms, demonstrating the
potential of this approach for atom precise cluster synthesis and expanding the application of
continuous-flow systems beyond organic synthesis.