Tailoring silver nanoclusters via doping: advances and opportunities

Atomically precise noble metal nanoclusters (especially Au and Ag) have been pursued due to their fascinating molecule-like properties. In spite of the significant progress on Au nanoclusters (NCs), the structure and property evolution of Ag NCs is still in high demand. Doping is a useful strategy for improving the physicochemical performances of Ag NCs. Herein we summarize the recent advances in tailoring silver NC structures and properties via doping. First, we reviewed the recent studies on the synthesis of hetero metal atom doped silver bimetallic nanoclusters, which are classified by the dopants, including Au, Pt, Pd, Cu, Ni and Cd. Second, the doping effects on their properties were reviewed, including the locations of hetero metal atoms, the influence on their stability, and the charge state evolution. Moreover, we highlighted the doping-dependent improvement of the photo-luminescence (PL) performance and catalytic activity of Ag NCs.