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Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters: Emerging Materials for Near-Infrared II Photoluminescence
Rakesh Kumar Gupta1, Brij Mohan2, Zhi Wang1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250100, P. R. China.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|January 13, 2026
Summary
Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) now emit light in the near-infrared II (NIR-II) window for advanced biomedical imaging. Strategies like ligand engineering fine-tune their properties for better photoluminescence and applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Photochemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) are nanomaterials with tunable optoelectronic properties.
- Recent advances enable NCs to emit light in the near-infrared II (NIR-II) window (950-1700 nm).
- NIR-II emission offers advantages for biomedical imaging due to reduced scattering and autofluorescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight strategies for tuning NIR-II photoluminescence in metal NCs.
- To explore photophysical mechanisms behind NIR-II emission.
- To address limitations and outline future directions for NIR-II photonic technologies.
Main Methods:
- Ligand engineering
- Core-shell engineering
- Alloying
- Advanced spectroscopic techniques (time-resolved photoluminescence, transient absorption)
Main Results:
- Strategies like ligand engineering, core-shell engineering, and alloying enable fine-tuning of NIR-II photoluminescence.
- Photophysical mechanisms including core-ligand charge transfer and metal-centered transitions are explored.
- Spectroscopic techniques probe excited-state dynamics influencing emission properties.
Conclusions:
- Metal NCs offer tunable NIR-II emission superior to conventional materials.
- Further research is needed to enhance quantum yield, photostability, and biocompatibility.
- Development of hybrid materials and multifunctional NC platforms will advance NIR-II photonic technologies.
