Gold and silver quantum clusters in molecular containers and methods for their preparation and use

摘要

A composition includes a quantum cluster of Agm or Aun, one or more protector molecules; and a molecular cavity partially or wholly surrounding the quantum cluster. A method for preparing the quantum clusters includes adding a first amount of glutathione to a gold salt, a silver salt, or a mixture thereof to form a mixture; adding a reducing agent to the mixture to form a precipitate; and mixing the precipitate with a second amount of glutathione and a cyclodextrin to form a composition. Devices are prepared from the quantum clusters, and the devices may be used in methods of authentification of articles.

主权项

1. A method of preparing a quantum cluster, the method comprising:
adding a first amount of glutathione to a gold salt, a silver salt, or a mixture thereof to form a mixture; adding a reducing agent to the mixture to form a precipitate; and mixing the precipitate with a second amount of glutathione and a cyclodextrin to form the quantum cluster; wherein the quantum cluster comprises:
Agm, Aun, or AgmAun, wherein m and n are independently from 2 to 100;one or more of the glutathione molecules bound to the Agm, Aun, or AgmAun; andthe cyclodextrin partially or wholly surrounding the one or more glutathione molecules bound to the Agm, Aun, or AgmAun; wherein the cyclodextrin is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted α-cyclodextrin, unsubstituted β-cyclodextrin, and unsubstituted γ-cyclodextrin.