Practical applications of metal nanoclusters

Different from large nanoparticles, metal nanoclusters with size less than 2 nm have unique physical and chemical properties, such as quantum size effect, molecular-like behavior, strong photoluminescence and high catalytic activity, which make them useful for many applications. Due to their high quantum yields, tunable fluorescence emission, large Stokes shift, excellent photostability, inherent photothermal/photodynamic properties and high biocompatibility, metal nanoclusters have attracted extensive attention in optical sensing and biological applications. In addition, metal nanoclusters are becoming a new type of highly efficient nanocatalyst because of their ultra-small size, abundant active sites, large specific surface area and unique electronic structure. Especially for those nanoclusters with precise composition and structure, it can be used as a model catalyst to reveal the relationship between structure and performance, which is of great significance for the rational design of efficient catalysts. This chapter contributes to the practical application of metal nanoclusters such as sensors, biological application, and catalysis.