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.
Molecular de-aggregation was observed at the air/water interface of aqueous microdroplets. We probed this phenomenon using dyes such as Rhodamine 6G (R6G), Rhodamine B, Acridine orange, and Fluorescein, which show...
Generation of current or potential
at nanostructures using appropriate
stimuli is one of the futuristic methods of energy generation. We
developed an ambient soft ionization method for mass spectrometry
using 2D-MoS2, termed streaming ionization, which eliminates
the use of traditional energy sources needed for ion formation. The
ionic dissociation-induced electrokinetic effect at the liquid–solid
interface is the reason for energy generation. We report the highest
figure of merit of current generation of 1.3 A/m2 by flowing
protic solvents at 22 μL/min over a 1 × 1 mm2 surface coated with 2D-MoS2, which is adequate to produce
continuous ionization of an array of analytes, making mass spectrometry
possible. Weakly bound ion clusters and uric acid in urine have been
detected. Further, the methodology was used as a self-energized breath
alcohol sensor capable of detecting 3% alcohol in the breath.
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