Synergism between copper and silver nanoclusters to originate fascinating structural modifications, properties, and applications

Abstract

Among group 11 transition metal elements Cu and Ag are well studied due to their cost effectiveness and high availability. However, the synergism of copper and silver is also very promising exhibiting intriguing structures, properties, and applications. Nanoclusters, missing links between atoms and nanoparticles, are highly fluorescent due to discrete energy levels. Such fluorescence can be efficiently tuned because of the synergistic behaviour of copper and silver. Such fluorescence could be selectively quenched in the presence of various analytes and sensing platforms was reported by various groups. Moreover, copper clusters could be utilized for silver sensing while silver nanoclusters could be utilized for ionic copper sensing due to the strong interaction between copper and silver. Furthermore, DFT studies are summarized to understand the structural modification due CuAg synergism. A concise piece of paper based on the synergism of copper and silver can open a new window of research for the young scientist venturing into the field of environmental nanoscience.