On May 19th, Prof. Xun Yuan from Qingdao University of Science and Technology was invited by Prof. Xiaoyan Sun to give a report entitled "Synthesis and Application of Precious Metal Nanoclusters" for researchers in the institute.

Metal nanoclusters have developed into a new class of functional nanomaterials. Due to their ultra-small size (< 3 nm), precise molecular structure, tunable surface chemistry, and interesting molecular-like properties such as fluorescence and chirality, metal nanoclusters are widely used in biomedicine, catalysis, environmental protection, energy conversion, etc. There are broad application prospects in the field. In the report, Prof. Xun Yuan first introduced the synthesis method of noble metal nanoclusters, and the work in cluster size control, surface chemistry and fluorescence regulation. Then, combined with advanced characterization methods to clarify the water-soluble noble metal nanoclusters. The growth mechanism and alloying mechanism of the clusters were introduced. Finally, the related research of noble metal nanoclusters in photo/electrocatalysis, broad-spectrum antibacterial, near-infrared second-region imaging and tumor photothermal therapy were introduced.

After the report, Professor Xun Yuan discussed with the audience on the synthesis and preparation of metal nanoclusters, and answered the questions raised by the audience in detail.