Silver nanoclusters, being a novel variety of nanomaterial, have garnered significant attention owing to their exceedingly minute dimensions, and distinct physical and chemical characteristics.

This study aims to present a straightforward and efficient method for fabricating silver nanoclusters composites using radiation technology.

Firstly, silver nanoclusters in aqueous solution were directly synthesized through radiation reduction. By means of radiation grafting technique, polyacrylic acid templates was grafted onto an array of matrix materials, thereby producing solid templates. Subsequently, these solid templates were employed to achieve in situ synthesis of silver nanoclusters composites, obviating the need for water-soluble template materials. Finally, the fluorescence detection performance and catalytic performance of silver nanoclusters were tested by fluorescence spectrometer and the UV visible spectrum.

The silver nanoclusters and composites prepared in this study have retained the photoluminescence and catalytic activity characteristic of silver nanoclusters, thereby presenting potential applications in metal ion detection and catalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the combination of the base material and silver nanoclusters is capable of manifesting a synergistic effect, thereby enhancing the overall performance of silver nanoclusters.

The utilization of radiation technique has enabled a simplified route of silver nanocluster composites. In addition, the versatility of this synthesis route extends across a variety of matrix materials, thereby broadening the scope of potential applications for silver nanocluster composites.