Sensing Applications of Triazole Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

This study involves synthesis and physicochemical evaluation of triazole conjugated silver nanoparticles (TBS-AgNPs). The triazole derivative (TBS) was synthesized via click reaction followed by its conjugation with silver nanoparticles through the chemical reduction method. The TBS-AgNPs were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, for instance, UV-Visible, atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR),and dynamic light scattering (DLS). TBS-AgNPs showed maximum absorption at 400 nm with an average particle size of 60-80 nm. Sensitivity and selectivity of TBS-AgNPs towards metal ions were evaluated using UV-Visible spectroscopy and the addition of Pd2+ produced a significant decrease in absorption intensity of TBS-AgNPs. Whereas, all other tested metal ions such as Sn2+, Ni2+, Ca2+, Bi3+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, Co2+, Mn2+, and Ba2+ did not alter the optical properties of TBS-AgNPs for Pd2+. TBS-AgNPs nanoparticles are highly selective for Pd2+ as no interference was observed in competitive experiments. Job's plot indicated a 1:1 binding ratio between Pd2+ and TBS-AgNPs. Furthermore, TBS-AgNPs were effectively used for the detection of Pd2+ ion in laboratory tap water.