Zero- to One-Dimensional Zn24 Supraclusters: Synthesis, Structures and Detection Wavelength

A zinc supracluster [Zn-24(ATZ)(18)(AcO)(30)(H2O)(1.5)](H2O)(3.5) (Zn-24), and a 1D zinc supracluster chain {[Zn-24(ATZ)(18)(AcO)(30)(C2H5OH)(2)(H2O)(3)](H2O)(2.5)}(n) (1-D subset of Zn-24) with molecular diameters of 2 nm were synthesized under regulatory solvothermal conditions or the micro bottle method. In an N,N-dimethylformamide solution of Zn-24, Fe3+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cr2+ and Co2+ ions exhibited fluorescence-quenching effects, while the rare earth ions Ce3+, Dy3+, Er3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Ho3+, La3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, and Tb(3+)showed no obvious fluorescence quenching. In ethanol solution, the Zn-24 supracluster can be used to selectively detect Ce3+ ions with excellent efficiency (limit of detection (LOD) = 8.51 x 10(-7) mol/L). The Zn-24 supracluster can also detect wavelengths between 302 and 332 nm using the intensity of the emitted light.

Automated summary

A zinc supracluster and a 1D zinc supracluster chain with molecular diameters of 2 nm were synthesized. The fluorescence-quenching effects of various ions were investigated, and the zinc supracluster showed excellent efficiency in selectively detecting Ce3+ ions.