Light-triggered reactions in a new “light” of nanoparticles engineering

Abstract

This study presents an innovative light-triggered synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing UV radiation (λ = 254 nm), thiols (non-toxic mercaptosuccinic acid, MSA), and metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Se4+). Efficient formation of various nanoparticles is achieved by exposing a precursor blend of metal ions and thiols (MSA) to ultraviolet light in compact volumes, like UV-transparent 96-well plates (50 – 300 μL per well) or plastic tubes (1.5 – 50 mL). This process effectively produces different types of nanoparticles, including fluorescent zinc-cadmium quantum dots (ZnCd QDs), non-fluorescent copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The scalability of the method allows for easy upscaling using larger test tubes or downsizing by depositing precursors (10 – 100 μL) on a paper matrix, where UV treatment not only induces NP formation in solution but also facilitates their anchoring to the paper surface. The developed one-pot in situ approach offers a cost-effective, user-friendly, and energy-efficient method for NP production and chemical engineering on paper surfaces. The technique is promising for a wide range of applications, such as interferometric measurement using ZnCd QDs, bactericidal effects of CuNPs against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC100 = 0.14 mg/mL), and visible light switchable (ON/OFF) nanozymatic reactors employing SeNPs. We suggest light-triggered chemistry based on thiols and metal ions for effective “soft” synthesis of various nanoparticles and NPs-based devices.