Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be used as a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) colorimetric sensor; the correlation between the SPR phenomenon and the aggregation state of nanoparticle allows the real-time detection of a target molecule. Surface functionalization of NPs with proper molecular baits is often performed to establish the selectivity of the sensor. This work reports on the synthesis of AgNPs under reducing conditions and on the functionalization thereof with mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA). UV-VIS Spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs, eliciting a surface plasmon absorption band (SPAB) at 393 nm that shifted to 417 nm upon surface coating. Dynamic light scattering was used to investigate the surface coatings; moreover, pelleted AgNPs@11MUA nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analyzers (EDX), and infrared spectroscopy to corroborate the presence of 11MUA on the surface. Most interestingly, the resulting AgNPs@11MUA selectively detected micromolar levels of Ni2+, also in the presence of other cations such as Mn2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, and Cr3+.
Highlights
Accepted: 28 June 2021The occurrence of heavy metals and their compounds in the environment is the result of both anthropic and natural factors
Heavy metals largely accumulate in the soil and in ground water due to a variety of human activities and natural weathering of their parent materials [1]
We report on the synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles, on their functionalization with 11MUA, and on the development of a colorimetric sensor based on 11MUA-modified AgNPs for the detection of Ni2+ ions in the presence of other metal ions, such as Mn2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Hg2+, Fe2+, Pb2+, and Cr3+
Summary
The occurrence of heavy metals and their compounds in the environment is the result of both anthropic and natural factors. Heavy metals largely accumulate in the soil and in ground water due to a variety of human activities (e.g., mining, smelting, electroplating, and other industrial processes) and natural weathering of their parent materials [1]. Metals such as Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni are considered toxic, given their persistence in the environment. Exposure to nickel has been demonstrated to be a potential triggering event in pneumonitis, dermatitis, asthma, disorders of central nervous system, and cancer of the nasal cavity or lungs [5]
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