Convenient synthesis of stable silver quantum dots with enhanced photoluminescence emission by laser fragmentation

A new strategy for the facile synthesis of very stable and mono-dispersed silver (Ag) quantum dots (QDs) is developed by laser fragmentation of bulk Ag in water using polysorbate 80 as a dispersing and stabilizing agent. The surfactant plays an important role in the formation of size-controlled Ag nano-structures. The Ag QDs have excellent photo-stability of ～500 h and enhanced photoluminescence (PL) at 510 nm. This has significant implications for selective and ultrasensitive PL probes. Based on laser fragmentation in the biocompatible surfactant solution, our results have opened up a novel paradigm to obtain stable metal QDs directly from bulk targets. This is a breakthrough in the toxicity problems that arise from standard chemical fabrication.