Preparation of ultra-small molecule-like Ag nano-clusters in silicate glass based on ion-exchange process: Energy transfer investigation from molecule-like Ag nano-clusters to Eu3+ ions

Ultra-small sliver nano-clusters are a novel kind of materials with excellent photoluminescence properties, which have potential application in the fields of integrated optical storage, biological optics sensor and solid state lighting. In this work, ultra-small molecule-like Ag nano-clusters were prepared in the silicate glass by the ion-exchange process. The influence of ion-exchange temperature, ion-exchange time and ratio of molten salt composition on the formation of molecule-like Ag nano-clusters was investigated systematically in the silicate glass by the transmission electron microscopy, optical absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the stabilized molecule-like Ag nano-clusters with the size of 1–3 nm were formed by controlling the ion-exchange parameters. In addition, the influence of Eu3+ doping on the formation of molecule-like Ag nano-clusters was observed in the silicate glass, promoting the growth of molecule-like Ag nano-clusters. The luminescence enhancement of Eu3+ was obtained due to efficient energy transfer from molecule-like Ag nano-clusters to Eu3+.