One-pot synthesis of hollow Au3Cu1 spherical-like and biomineral botallackite Cu2(OH)3Cl flowerlike architectures exhibiting antimicrobial activity.

A new form of Au3Cu1 hollow nanostructure was prepared by the reaction of Cu nanoparticles with HAuCl4. Following a course of aging, the biomineral botallackite Cu2(OH)3Cl nanoflowers were developed with the aid of Au3Cu1 hollow nanostructures at room temperature. It was proposed that the hollow nanospheres could serve as active centers for heterogeneous nucleation and mediated a mineralization process.