Boron based nanosheets as reducing templates in aqueous solutions: Towards novel nanohybrids with gold nanoparticles and graphene

We show that nanosheets obtained by exfoliating magnesium diboride bear an intrinsic ability to elicit chemical reduction of quinone-based molecules. They also reduce gold salt into ultra-small gold nanoparticles and graphene oxide into reduced graphene oxide. These nanosheets subsequently interface with the partner nanomaterial in solution to form novel nanohybrids.