University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (4): 375-381.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202406005

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Preparation and Characterization of Water-Soluble Silver Nanoclusters: A New Design and Teaching Practice in Materials Chemistry Experiment

Feng Lu, Tao Wang, Qi Wang   

  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China
  • Received:2024-06-03 Accepted:2024-07-02 Published:2025-04-25
  • Contact: Feng Lu E-mail:iamflu@njupt.edu.cn

Abstract: Silver nanoclusters with fluorescent properties were prepared in aqueous solution using poly(methacrylic acid, sodium salt) as a stabilizer. The reduction of silver ions was achieved through heating or light irradiation. The silver nanoclusters were subsequently obtained in powder form using ethanol precipitation method. The optical properties of these silver nanoclusters were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The experiment leveraged the color changes observed during nanocluster formation to visualize the nanoscale reaction process, aiding students in developing an intuitive understanding of both the reaction mechanisms and spectral data. Grounded in fundamental materials chemistry knowledge and incorporating cutting-edge scientific research, this experiment not only reinforces basic concepts but also broadens students’ perspectives. Moreover, it stimulates their enthusiasm for scientific research while nurturing their experimental skills and fostering innovative abilities.

Key words: Silver nanoclusters, Fluorescence, Spectroscopic characterization, Experimental teaching