Simple synthesis of silver nanocluster composites AgNCs@PE-g-PAA by irradiation method and fluorescence detection of Cr3+

Silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) are a new type of nanomaterials with similar properties to molecules and unique applications. The applications of AgNCs can be significantly expanded by combining them with different matrix materials to obtain AgNC composites. Using irradiation techniques, we developed a simple two-step method for preparing silver nanocluster composites. First, polyacrylic acid (PAA) chains were grafted onto the surface of a PE film as templates (PE-g-PAA). Subsequently, silver ions were reduced in situ on the surface of the template material to obtain the AgNC composites (AgNCs@PE-g-PAA). The degree of AgNC loading on the composite film was easily controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions. The loaded AgNCs were anchored to the carboxyl groups of the PAA and wrapped in the graft chain. The particle size of the AgNCs was only 4.38 +/- 0.85 nm, with a very uniform particle size distribution. The AgNCs@PE-g-PAA exhibited fluorescence characteristics derived from the AgNCs. The fluorescence of the AgNCs@PE-g-PAA was easily quenched by Cr3+ ions. The composite can be used as a fluorescence test paper to realize visual detection of Cr3+.