Synthesis of aluminum oxide supported fluorescent gold nanodots for the detection of silver ions

Photoluminescent gold nanodots (Au NDs) on aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) with the emission wavelengths ranging from 510 to 630 nm are unveiled. Orange Al2O3 NP@AuNDs show high selectivity and sensitivity towards Ag+ ions by metallophilic Ag+–Au+ interactions and induced fluorescence quenching of Au NDs.