Main observation and conclusion
A novel and facile approach towards highly luminescent CuNCs@MMI (2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole) has been developed within 30 s with the assistance of ionic liquids (ILs)—[Bmim]BF4.FT-IR spectra,Zeta potential,TEM and SEM images showed that the as-prepared CuNCs@MMI within [Bmim]BF4 could assemble into well-ordered triangle supramolecular nanostructures via electro-static interaction.In addition,pH-responsion of CuNCs@MMI in photoluminescence intensity indicated the great potential for pH sensing applications.