  The capability to synthesize a broad spectrum of metal clusters (MCs) with
their size controllable in a subnanometer scale presents an enticing prospect
for exploring nanosize-dependent properties. Here we report an innovative
design of a capping agent from a polytriazolium poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) in a
vesicular form in solution that allows for crafting a variety of MCs including
transition metals, noble metals, and their bimetallic alloy with precisely
controlled sizes (~ 1 nm) and record-high catalytic performance. The
ultrastrong stabilization power is result of an unusual synergy between the
conventional binding sites in the heterocyclic cations in PIL, and an in-situ
generated polycarbene structure induced simultaneously to the reduction
reaction. INTRODUCTION
