Rational design of metal nanoclusters for environmental monitoring: A review

As a category of functional nanomaterials with ultra-small size, excellent biocompatibility, and unique molecule-like physicochemical properties, metal nanoclusters (MNCs) have exhibited broad application prospects in the field of environmental detection over the past few years. Currently, through rational design, MNCs can be precisely integrated with various targeting moieties, which achieves the customized regulation of their physicochemical properties and functions. Compared with unmodified natural MNCs, MNCs modified with multifunctional surfaces possess more prominent advantages in environmental detection, such as improved detection sensitivity, enhanced selectivity, and reduced environmental interference. In this review, the preparation methods of gold, silver, copper, platinum and other single metals and their bimetallic/doped nanoclusters are systematically described. Secondly, the latest research progress of MNCs in the field of environmental detection is reviewed and summarized, including the application of pollutant detection based on their optical, electrochemical, and other properties. Finally, the key scientific issues and technical challenges faced by MNCs in the development of environmental detection are analyzed, and prospects for their future development direction and application prospects are put forward. The study seeks to provide theoretical and technical support for facilitating the practical application of MNCs in environmental detection.