Methods of producing cobalt nanoparticles and hollow metal nanospheres

Abstract

Provided are methods of producing cobalt-based nanoparticles (CoBNPs) of a pre-selected diameter. The methods include reducing Coions with a sodium borohydride (NaBH) solution having a selected ratio of tetrahydroxyborate (B(OH)) to tetrahydroborate (BH) based on the pre-selected diameter, where the ratio of B(OH)to BHis positively correlated with the pre-selected diameter. Also provided are methods of using the CoBNPs to produce hollow metal nanospheres (HMNs). Methods of producing CoBNP core/metal shell structures are also provided, such methods including combining in an anaerobic galvanic exchange reaction a deaerated solution including CoBNP scaffolds and a deaerated solution including a metal. Also provided are methods of producing HMNs from the CoBNP core/metal shell structures. Compositions and kits that find use in practicing the methods of the present disclosure and using HMNs produced in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure, are also provided.