Enhanced absorption and fluorescence of gold nanoclusters using initial alkali concentrations

Understanding carrier dynamics and electromagnetic interactions between emerging quantum-confined nanostructures and plasmonic structures is crucial for future biological applications. In this research, we fabricate gold monolayer-protected clusters (AuMPC). We demonstrate enhanced light absorption and fluorescence of AuMPCs by varying the initial alkali concentration. We measure absorption bands enhanced up to nine times with extended and distinct features centered at 3.33 eV, and fluorescence enhanced up to 3.9 times. An increased alkali concentration changes the charge transfer capability of the surface thiolate ligands through sulfur-gold bonds, which in turn enhance/reduce the fluorescence intensity.