Selective, simple and economical lead sensor based on ibuprofen derived silver nanoparticles

Lead (Pb) assessment in the environment is highly demanded due to its extreme toxicity associated with many health problems. We synthesized ibuprofen derived silver nanoparticles (Ibu-AgNps) by a simpler method and applied them as excellent voltammetric Pb(II) sensor. Various optimized parameters include, the kind of electrode, concentration of electrolyte, number of drops, deposition potential, stirring rate, nitrogen purging time, initial potential and pH. The fabricated sensor is simple, highly selective, sensitive, stable and reproducible. The sensor works in linear range, 0.1–1500 ppb with lower detection limit (LDL) of 0.01 ppb (∼50 pM) and regression coefficient of 0.999 for Pb(II) ions. RSD of 1.5% was observed for 20 replicates of 1000 ppb Pb(II) solution which proves its excellent reproducibility. No interference was noticed for fabricated sensor by ions commonly found in water. Drinking, tap and river water samples were successfully analyzed for the estimation of Pb(II) ions by the developed sensor.