Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Composite materials comprising a mesoflower structure, methods of preparing the composite material, and methods of detecting heavy metal ion using the composite material are described herein. In some embodiments, a silica-coated gold mesoflower with a layer of silver quantum clusters may be capable of detecting Hg2+ ions in a sample at zeptomolar concentrations.

Abstract: A luminescent nanocomposite comprising functionalized graphene and a luminescent moiety, its fabrication, and uses are described. The luminescent moiety is anchored non-covalently to the functionalized graphene. Luminescence properties of the nanocomposite may be modulated by choosing appropriate luminescent moieties such as native lactoferrin, native lactoferrin protected gold clusters, and so forth. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposite may be modulated by adding a biopolymer such as Chitosan. The nanocomposite may be used as a luminescent ink for encoding information, or a luminescent film for tagging articles of manufacture such as electronic waste components.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis of metal quantum clusters within the framework of a porous gel matrix are described. For example, Ag25(glutathione)18 quantum clusters are synthesized in a cross-linked polyacrylamide gel matrix. The methods can be performed on large-scale and yields monodispersed metal quantum clusters.

Abstract: Composite materials comprising functionalized graphenes, methods of preparing the composite materials, and methods of using the composite materials are described herein. A composite material comprising reduced graphene oxide, chitosan, and native lactoferrin show much higher antimicrobial activity versus individual reduced graphene oxide, chitosan, and native lactoferrin alone.

Abstract: An embodiment relates a method comprising creating a reversible change in an electrical property by adsorption of a gas by a composition, wherein the composition comprises a noble metal-containing nanoparticle and a single walled carbon nanotube. Another embodiment relates to a method comprising forming a composition comprising a noble metal-containing nanoparticle and a single walled carbon nanotube and forming a device containing the said composition. Yet another method relates to a device comprising a composition comprising a noble metal-containing nanoparticle and a single walled carbon nanotube on a silicon wafer, wherein the composition exhibits a reversible change in an electrical property by adsorption of a gas by the composition.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present technology relates gold sub-nanoclusters comprising a gold core and one or more thiolates bound to the gold core, wherein the gold core consists essentially of 23 gold atoms. Methods of preparing and using such sub-nanoclusters are also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a composition comprising a noble-metal containing nanoparticle and a polymer located on a surface of the nanoparticle, wherein the polymer is a polycondensation product of a halogenated monomer. Other embodiments relate to the method of making a composition and providing antimicrobial treatment using the composition.

Abstract: An embodiment relates a method comprising creating a reversible change in an electrical property by adsorption of a gas by a composition, wherein the composition comprises a noble metal-containing nanoparticle and a single walled carbon nanotube. Another embodiment relates to a method comprising forming a composition comprising a noble metal-containing nanoparticle and a single walled carbon nanotube and forming a device containing the said composition. Yet another method relates to a device comprising a composition comprising a noble metal-containing nanoparticle and a single walled carbon nanotube on a silicon wafer, wherein the composition exhibits a reversible change in an electrical property by adsorption of a gas by the composition.