Novel colorimetric sensor for mercury (II) based on layer-by-layer assembly of unmodified silver triangular nanoplates

A simple layer-by-layer deposition technique was used to fabricate the multilayer thin films of unmodified silver triangular nanoplates (AgTNPs). The color of AgTNPs multilayer thin films was observed from blue in the initial state to mauve and colorless when the concentration of mercury (II) increased from 0.5 ppm to 30 ppm.