Two-dimensional
nanostructures with atomically precise building
blocks have potential applications in catalysis and sensing. However,
structural instability and surface reactivity limit their practical
use. In this work, we demonstrate the formation of vertically aligned
nanoplates of the [Co6S8DPPE6Cl6] cluster (Co6 in short), protected by 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane,
using ambient electrospray deposition (ESD). Charged microdroplets
of Co6 formed by ESD on a water surface created such nanostructures.
Preferential arrangement of clusters in the nanoplates with enhanced
surface area results in sensitive and selective electrochemical response
toward arsenite down to 5 parts per billion, in tap water. Density
functional theory calculations reveal the preferential binding of
arsenite with Co6. Our work points to a practical application
of atomically precise clusters of large societal relevance.
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