Ligand exchange of Ag NCs. In one embodiment, a dispersion of Ag NCs underwent a ligand exchange according to the following steps: Chemical treatment was performed after spincasting or nanoimprinting. Exchange was achieved by immersing the NC-coated substrate in a methanol solution containing the new ligand. Non-specifically bound ligands were washed off the surface by immersing the sample in two successive baths of pure methanol and drying it in air. Ethanedithiol was prepared as a 1% (v/v) solution in methanol and exchange was carried out for 3 hours. For NH4SCN and NH4Cl the conditions were either 50 mM for 10 min, or 130 mM for 2 min. For potassium hydrogen sulfide the conditions were 50 mM for 10 min.