LAUSR

Abstract In this work, a simple one-pot preparation protocol is presented for synthesis of adenosine monophosphate-stabilized bimetallic gold/silver nanoclusters (AMP-Au/Ag NCs). These yellow-emitting NCs (λem = 560 nm) with quantum yield of 7.3% show great kinetic stability and photostability as well. Besides the detailed size, composition, and structural characterizations, the pH-dependent aggregation induced emission was identified. Moreover, their possible utilization as folic acid (FA) biosensor was also investigated in liquid phase and for design of paper-based quick test. Based on the detailed analysis of the fluorescence quenching data, the limit of detection (0.109 µM) and dynamic range (0.15–2.5 µM) of FA were calculated and the thermodynamic nature, as well as the proposed mechanism of the fluorescence quenching process via an interesting etching reaction of alloy clusters, was also interpreted.