Fluorescent silver nanoclusters: from preparation to analytical application

Owing to their excellent luminescent properties, fluorescent metal clusters show a wide range of applications in the field of analysis chemistry. Ag nanoclusters have attracted a lot of attention because of their adjustable size, good water dispersibility, biocompatibility and excellent optical properties. This review briefly summarizes the synthesis, optical properties and analytical applications of silver nanoclusters, and looks forward to the future development in this field.