Modulation of Reaction Kinetics for the Tuneable Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Quantum Clusters: Application of Gold Quantum Clusters as “Turn‐Off” Sensing Probe for Sn4+ Ions

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Abstract
The syntheses of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and gold quantum clusters (Au QCs) that employ cefadroxil (CFX; an antibiotic) as both reducing and capping agents are reported. The HAuCl4/CFX concentration, temperature, and pH are crucial factors in the modulation of the nucleation and growth kinetics of the reaction, and consequently, in guiding the size and morphology of as‐synthesized Au NPs. Interesting results are observed if the reaction is performed under different pH conditions. TEM analysis of the Au NPs synthesized at pH 6 shows an average particle size of approximately 2 nm along with a relatively smaller population of bigger NPs (up to 6 nm). The Au QCs were isolated by high‐speed centrifugation and showed fluorescence at λ≈460 nm. Furthermore, the as‐synthesized Au QCs were applied as sensor for Sn4+ ions on the basis of an aggregation‐induced fluorescence quenching mechanism. These Au QCs offer acceptable sensitivity, high selectivity, and a limit of detection of approximately 10 μM for the determination of Sn4+ ions.

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