Carbon dots reduced and stabilized silver nanoclusters: synthesis and formation mechanisms

Red emitting silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) have been synthesized by using carbon dots (CDs) as reductants and stabilizer at a high temperature of 80 °C in ethanol. The effects of reaction time, temperature, type of base, concentration of ammonia and the ratio of CDs to Ag + on the properties of AgNCs were investigated. The oxygen related groups on the surface of the CDs play important roles in the reduction process of the AgNCs. The formation mechanism of the AgNCs is a balance between AgNCs growth and etching. Moreover, the protocol is expected to be applicable to other carbon dots, solvents, and noble metals.