Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters Embedded in Hydrogel Matrix and Its Potential Use in Environmental Monitoring

The optical absorption and fluorescence of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) are widely exploited in many different application fields such as sensors, bio-imaging, drug delivery, etc. In the sensor field, devices highly versatile thanks to their ease fabrication low costs and, therefore, optimal candidates replace expensive apparatuses commonly used. this study, we synthesized AgNCs aqueous phase by photochemical synthesis using poly methacrylic acid (PMAA) a stabilizer. Colloidal water solutions these NCs showed very good sensitivity Pb(II) ions, order fabricate solid-state sensor, introduced them hydrogel material formed poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate with molecular weight 700 g/mol (PEGDA700). systems were characterized spectroscopy transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Finally, ions has been tested aim use sensors for quality.