Bright and stable gold nanocluster assemblies by silica/zirconia double-shell encapsulation. Issue 27 (24th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Shaochen; Duan, Yanyan; Liu, Kai; Ras, Robin H. A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 10:Issue 27(2022)
• Page Start: 10001
• Page End: 10008
• Publication Date: 2022-06-24
• Subjects: Materials -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Optical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Electronics -- Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d2tc00824f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7526

Abstract

Abstract : Assemblies of gold nanoclusters are embedded in silica/zirconia nanostructures, enhancing the emission and stability significantly. These nanocomposites show promise in visualizing latent fingerprints on various substrates. Abstract : Ultrasmall gold nanoclusters are fascinating fluorescent materials with many unique properties, yet, to render them highly luminescent and stable remains challenging. In this work, solvent-induced aggregates of gold nanoclusters are encapsulated in silica/zirconia nanostructures, realizing a significantly enhanced photoluminescence efficiency and stability. These silica and zirconia coated gold nanocluster aggregates achieved a photoluminescence quantum yield of ∼55%, with high resistance to photobleaching and water, due to the stabilization by the dual-oxide matrix. Furthermore, we demonstrate their suitability for visualizing latent fingerprints.