Bright and Photostable Fluorescent Metal Nanocluster Supraparticles from Invert Emulsions

Fluorescent supraparticles of gold, silver and copper nanoclusters are synthesized by simply drying of invert emulsions, resulting in a dozen-fold increase in photoluminescence quantum yield (up to approximate to 80 %) and a significant improvement in photostability. The inhibition of the ligand twisting during the intramolecular charge transfer is found to be responsible for the enhancement, especially for the gold nanocluster supraparticles. This research provides a general, flexible, and easy method for producing highly luminescent and photostable metal nanocluster-based materials that promise practical applications in white-light-emitting diodes.

Automated summary

Fluorescent supraparticles of gold, silver, and copper nanoclusters are synthesized by a simple drying method, resulting in a significant increase in photoluminescence quantum yield and photostability. The inhibition of ligand twisting during the intramolecular charge transfer process is found to be responsible for the enhancement, especially for gold nanocluster supraparticles. This research offers a general, flexible, and easy approach for producing highly luminescent and photostable metal nanocluster-based materials with potential applications in white-light-emitting diodes.