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Stirring-Controlled Synthesis of Ultrastable, Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters
Olgierd Cybulski1, Cristóbal Quintana1, Marta Siek1
1Center for Algorithmic and Robotized Synthesis (CARS), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan, 44919, South Korea.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|June 27, 2024
Summary
Macroscopic stirring enhances silver nanocluster (Ag NCs) fluorescence stability. Controlled oxygen delivery during stirring is key to producing highly stable, fluorescent Ag NCs for over two years.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemistry
Background:
- Standard methods produce marginally stable fluorescent silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs).
- Achieving long-term stability in Ag NCs has been a significant challenge.
- Existing protocols limit the achievable properties of nanostructures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of macroscopic stirring on nanostructure production.
- To enhance the fluorescence stability of silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs).
- To explore the role of oxygen in nanostructure formation and properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a standard glutathione-based method for Ag NC synthesis.
- Implementing macroscopic stirring with controlled stirring rates.
- Introducing timed oxygen delivery from above the reaction mixture.
Main Results:
- Adjusting stirring rate significantly improved Ag NC fluorescence stability.
- Nanoclusters retained fluorescence for over 2 years, an unprecedented duration.
- Oxygen was identified as a critical reagent influencing size, structure, and stability.
- Enhanced homogenization and timed oxygen delivery were key factors.
Conclusions:
- Macroscopic stirring is an effective method for producing advanced nanostructures.
- Controlled oxygen incorporation is crucial for high-stability fluorescent Ag NCs.
- This protocol offers a novel pathway to engineer nanocluster properties.
