Synthesis of Photoluminescent 2D Self-Assembled Silver Thiolate Nanoclusters for Sensors and Biomolecule Support

Silver thiolate nanoclusters (Ag NCs) show distinctive optical properties resulting from their hybrid nature, metallic and molecular, exhibiting size-, structure-, and surface-dependent photoluminescence, thus enabling the exploitation of Ag NCs for potential applications in nanobiotechnology, catalysis, and biomedicine. However, tailoring Ag NCs for specific applications requires achieving long-term stability and may involve modifying surface chemistry, fine-tuning ligand composition, or adding functional groups. In this study, we report the synthesis of novel Ag NCs using 2-ethanephenylthiolate (SR) as a ligand, highlight critical points addressing stability, and characterize their optical and structural properties. A preliminary electrical characterization revealed high anisotropy, well suited for potential use in electronics/sensing applications. We also present the synthesis and characterization of Ag NCs using 10-carboxylic 2-ol thiolate (SR'COOH) having a terminal carboxylic group for conjugation with amine-containing molecules. We present a preliminary assessment of its bioconjugation capability using bovine serum albumin as a model protein indicating its prospective application as a biomolecule support.