Rapid, sensitive, and selective fluorescent DNA detection using iron-based metal-organic framework nanorods: Synergies of the metal center and organic linker.

Considerable recent attention has been paid to homogeneous fluorescent DNA detection with the use of nanostructures as a universal "quencher", but it still remains a great challenge to develop such nanosensor with the benefits of low cost, high speed, sensitivity, and selectivity. In this work, we report the use of iron-based metal-organic framework nanorods as a high-efficient sensing platform for fluorescent DNA detection. It only takes about 4 min to complete the whole "mix-and-detect" process with a low detection limit of 10 pM and a strong discrimination of single point mutation. Control experiments reveal the remarkable sensing behavior is a consequence of the synergies of the metal center and organic linker. This work elucidates how composition control of nanostructures can significantly impact their sensing properties, enabling new opportunities for the rational design of functional materials for analytical applications.

CoSe2 nanowires array as a 3D electrode for highly efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution.

In this Letter, we describe the development of a CoSe2 nanowires array on carbon cloth (CoSe2 NW/CC) through a facile two-step hydrothermal preparative strategy. As a novel 3D nanoarray electrode for electrochemical hydrogen evolution, CoSe2 NW/CC exhibits excellent catalytic activity and durability in acidic media. It needs overpotentials of 130 and 164 mV to approach 10 and 100 mA cm(-2), respectively, and its activity is maintained for at least 48 h. This work would open up new avenues for the rational design of a variety of arrayed transition-metal chalcogenide cathodes for technological application toward large-scale hydrogen generation from water.