Rapid colorimetric detection of sulfide using calix[4]arene modified gold nanoparticles as a probe

An advanced and proficient colorimetric sulfide sensor based on gold nanoparticles (AuNP) modified calix[n]arene assembly has been designed and synthesized by generation of strongly binding dithiocarbamate(DTC). This molecular receptor competently and selectively recognizes sulfide ion via H-bonds. The assembly was characterized by TEM, DLS, UV–vis, FT-IR and 1H NMR spectrometry which demonstrates the higher binding affinity for sulfide via hydrogen bonding. The optimum range for determination of sulfide is from pH 7 to 10. The lower detection limit is found to be 10 nM. This method is simple and relatively free from interference of closely associated ions and is successfully applied to the determination of sulfide in real samples of spiked water and leather waste water.