Amphiphilic polymer-template synthesis and pH-triggered phase transfer of luminescent silver nanocrystals

► Luminescent silver nanocrystals (L-AgNCs) were synthesized using an amphiphilic polymer-template. ► The synthesis was based on UV-irradiation reduction reaction in aqueous solution. ► The resulting L-AgNCs exhibit pH-triggered phase transfer. ► The phase transfer occurred between pH 4 and 5.