Highly fluorescent au nanoclusters: Electrostatically induced phase transfer synthesis for Cu²⁺ sensing

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are gaining attention for their unique optical properties.
• Developing efficient synthesis methods for fluorescent Au NCs is crucial for their application.
• Sensing of heavy metal ions like copper (Cu²⁺) is important for environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a convenient synthesis method for highly fluorescent Au NCs.
• To investigate the application of these Au NCs for Cu²⁺ sensing.
• To evaluate the sensitivity and selectivity of the developed sensing system.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Au NCs using electrostatically induced phase transfer.
• Characterization of Au NC properties, including fluorescence.
• Development of a fluorescence quenching-based assay for Cu²⁺ detection.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized highly fluorescent Au NCs.
• Demonstrated an aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching mechanism for Cu²⁺ sensing.
• Achieved acceptable sensitivity and high selectivity for Cu²⁺ detection.
• Determined a limit of quantitation of 0.02 μM for Cu²⁺, below permissible levels in drinking water.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a convenient route to highly fluorescent Au NCs.
• The Au NCs are effective fluorescent probes for sensitive and selective Cu²⁺ detection.
• This work advances the practical application of fluorescent nanoclusters in environmental sensing.