Fig. 2: Structural characterizations of the Ag28(GSH)20 NCs and Ag NCs@ZIF-67.

a Schematic illustration of the synthesis of Ag NCs@ZIF-67, b UV-vis absorption spectrum, c ESI-MS results, and d TEM image of Ag28(GSH)20 NCs; e–f HAADF-STEM images and g elemental maps (i.e. C, Ag, S, and O) of Ag NCs@ZIF-67. The insets in b, d, and f are digital photographs of Ag28(GSH)20 NC solutions under visible light, the particle size distribution of Ag28(GSH)20 NCs, and the particle size distribution of Ag28(GSH)20 NCs within ZIF-67, respectively.