Ultrasensitive Trace Determination of Cadmium Through a Green Synthesized Hybrid PVA-Chitosan Nanocomposite

Abstract

This work describes an ultrasensitive trace determination of cadmium ion in aqueous medium through hybrid nanocomposite. Biodegradable materials such as chitosan and PVA are used to functionalize gold nanoparticles and to form a hybrid nanocomposite. Optical fiber is used to make sensor probe. To reduce toxicity of the gold nanoparticles towards environment, we adopt a green way to synthesize gold nanoparticles. In the optical set up, we have used white LED as light source and optical detector to record output response. From experimental results, we have found that this sensor probe has selectivity towards cadmium. It is found that sensitivity of this probe is ~ 0.028 intensity/ppb. From the linear fit, regression value is found to be ~ 0.99. This sensor probe has offered a limit of detection 800 ppt, which is below the WHO and EPA permissible limit 5 ppb.