Rapid Detection of Ag(I) via Size-Induced Photoluminescence Quenching of Biocompatible Green-Emitting, l-Tryptophan-Scaffolded Copper Nanoclusters.

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters capped with small molecules like amino acids are highly favored due to their specific interactions and easy incorporation into biological systems. However, they are rarely explored due to the challenge of surface functionalization of nanoclusters with small molecules. Herein, we report the synthesis of a green-emitting (λ = 380 nm, λ = 500 nm), single-amino-acid (l-tryptophan)-scaffolded copper nanocluster (Trp-Cu NC) via a one-pot route under mild reaction conditions.