An Undergraduate Experimental Course Introducing Nanotechnology through the Synthesis of Silver Nanocluster

Metal nanoclusters (NCs), as an important branch in the field of nanotechnology, offer significant application potential in catalysis, sensing, materials, and other fields due to their unique physical and chemical properties. In educational contexts, introducing atomically precise nanoclusters helps students gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles and application prospects of nanotechnology. Unlike metal nanoparticles (NPs), atomically precise NCs exhibit superior structural precision and controllable properties, serving as ideal model systems for teaching nanomaterials and nanotechnology. This undergraduate experiment course was conducted by ten second-year undergraduate students in group work, which consists of four sessions: a class on the synthesis, purification, and a class on scale-up synthesis of Ag6, followed by a class on the next week covering single-crystal structure determination and a class on optical property measurements, as the growth of the single crystals will take about a week, involving hands-on engagement with cutting-edge scientific research instruments such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), fluorescence spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The course has been well-received by ten upper-division applied chemistry majors, who confirmed its suitability for balancing complexity and engagement. Through this course, students not only synthesize nanoclusters and observe their structural features but also enhance their experimental proficiency, critical thinking, and innovative capabilities, thereby laying a solid foundation for future scientific research.