From boron clusters to gold clusters: new label-free colorimetric sensors

Abstract

A fundamental boron cluster, [closo-BH], mainly known as an inert agent for boron neutron capture therapy, can also serve as a bi-functional reductant and a capping agent for the formation of monodispersed size-controlled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) under mild reaction conditions. The obtained AuNPs remained thermo-dynamically stable over 3 months, and exhibited high performance in phase transfer and sensing of heavy metal ions.

Self‐Assembled Magnetic Gold Catalysts from Dual‐Functional Boron Clusters

“…Recently, we reported that Cs 2 [ closo ‐B 12 H 12 ], a fundamental boron cluster, can serve as a bifunctional reductant and capping agent for the fast formation of monodispersed size‐controlled Au NPs under mild reaction conditions. The preparation process only involved two additives: chloroauric acid and boron clusters.…”

“…These results implied the high efficiency of the boron clusters in the preparation of size‐controlled monodispersed Au NPs. Likewise, this size‐control strategy, in which boron clusters play a dual role (reductant and stabilizer), can also be applied to synthesize other metal NPs (Ag and Pt), which we have reported previously …”

“…Therefore, this strong complexation of CDs and [ closo ‐B 12 H 12 ] 2− shows great potential for the construction of composite materials. Meanwhile, we reported recently for the first time that [ closo ‐B 12 H 12 ] 2− can serve as both a reductant and capping agent for Au NPs preparation . Remarkably, this strategy can also be extended to synthesize other metal NPs (Ag, Pt, Pd, etc).…”

In Situ Synthesis of Well‐Ordered Magnetic Palladium Catalyst Triggered by Supramolecular Chaotropic Effect of Boron Cluster

“…Then in 2018, our group further revealed that the complex of boron clusters with macrocyclic cucurbiturils, also driven by chaotropic effect, could grow continuously to nanoscale supramolecular networks . More encouragingly, we found more virtues of boron cluster at the same year, such as its highly efficient reducing ability and stabilizing effect to noble metal NPs . Besides, the metal cations in boron cluster can be exchanged to organic ammonium cations, accompanied by its controllable solubility in water and oil solvents .…”

“…[38,39] More encouragingly, we found more virtues of boron cluster at the same year, such as its highly efficient reducing ability and stabilizing effect to noble metal NPs. [40] Besides, the metal cations in boron cluster can be exchanged to organic ammonium cations, accompanied by its controllable solubility in water and oil solvents. [41] As boron cluster has so many advantages, we anticipate utilizing its superchaotropic and reducing features to fabricate supramolecule-linked metal nanocomposites.…”