Sub-micron scale patterning of fluorescent silver nanoclusters using low-power laser

Noble metal nanoclusters are ultrasmall nanomaterials with tunable properties and huge application potential; however, retaining their enhanced functionality is difficult as they readily lose their properties without stabilization. Here, we demonstrate a facile synthesis of highly photostable silver nanoclusters in a polymer thin film using visible light photoreduction. Furthermore, the different stages of the nanocluster formation are investigated in detail using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. A cost-effective fabrication of photostable micron-sized fluorescent silver nanocluster barcode is demonstrated in silver-impregnated polymer films using a low-power continuous-wave laser diode. It is shown that a laser power of as low as 0.75 mW is enough to write fluorescent structures, corresponding to the specifications of a commercially available laser pointer. The as-formed nanocluster-containing microstructures can be useful in direct labeling applications such as authenticity marking and fluorescent labeling.

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10.1038/srep23998

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Kunwar, P, Hassinen, J, Bautista, G, Ras, R H A & Toivonen, J 2016, ' Sub-micron scale patterning of fluorescent silver nanoclusters using low-power laser ', Scientific Reports, vol. 6, 23998, pp. 1-6 . https://doi.org/10.1038/srep23998

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201609234457

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[article-cris] Perustieteiden korkeakoulu / SCI

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Sub-micron scale patterning of fluorescent silver nanoclusters using low-power laser

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