Microwave-assisted synthesis of photoluminescent glutathione-capped Au/Ag nanoclusters: A unique sensor-on-a-nanoparticle for metal ions, anions, and small molecules

Abstract

Even though great advances have been achieved in the synthesis of luminescent metal nanoclusters, it is still challenging to develop metal nanoclusters with high quantum efficiency as well as multiple sensing functionalities. Here, we demonstrate the rapid preparation of glutathione-capped Au/Ag nanoclusters (GS-Au/Ag NCs) using microwave irradiation and their unique sensing capacities. Compared to bare GS-Au NCs, the doped Au/Ag NCs possess an enhanced quantum yield (7.8% compared to 2.2% for GS-Au NCs). Several characterization techniques were used to elucidate the atomic composition, particulate character, and electronic structure of the fabricated NCs. According to the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra, a significant amount of Au exists in the oxidized state as Au(I), and the Ag atoms are positively charged. In contrast to those nanoclusters that detect only one analyte, the GS-Au/Ag NCs can be used as a versatile sensor for metal ions, anions, and small molecules. In this manner, the NCs can be regarded as a unique sensor-on-a-nanoparticle.

NIR‐Emitting Gold Nanoclusters–Modified Gelatin Nanoparticles as a Bioimaging Agent in Tissue

“…One strategy for improving the fluorescence intensity is the formation of alloy nanoclusters, by the doping of another noble metal during the nanoclusters growth. Silver and gold has been considered as a common combination for fabrication of alloy nanoclusters . Modification of gold nanoclusters by silver has been reported to enhance the emission .…”

One‐pot microwave‐assisted synthesis of size‐dependent l‐glutathione‐capped spherical silver nanoparticles suitable for materials with antibacterial properties

“…Nanoparticles exhibit improved physical, biological, and chemical properties and functionality. The field of nanotechnology has found application in the area of medicine in drug delivery (Franci et al, ), in diagnosis of diseases, in treatment of current diseases such as cancer and diabetes (De Matteis et al, ), in catalysis (Joseph and Mathew, ), and in making sensors (Zhang et al, ). Nanotechnology is also a promising area in provision of solutions to antimicrobial resistance (Khatoon et al, ; Nyamu et al, ).…”

Pt/Y2O3:Eu3+ composite nanotubes: Enhanced photoluminescence and application in dye-sensitized solar cells

“…Recently, luminescence-based techniques have continued to attract considerable attention because of their wide potential in the fields of optical devices and biomedicine, such as displays, immunoassays, and anticounterfeiting [2][3][4]. In particular, luminescent inorganic nanomaterials have attracted considerable interest because of their tremendous potential applications and for fundamental science research in many fields [5].…”