Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1233450 Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 2014 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

•l-Cysteine capped silver nanoparticles-synthesised by chemical reduction method.•Characterised using UV/Vis spectroscopy, TEM, zeta potential, XRD and SERS.•Cysteine is bound to the Ag surface through the thiolate moiety.•Selective colorimetric detection of Hg2+ through free COO− end of adsorbate.

We report an extensive study on the evolution of a highly facile, selective colorimetric probe for Hg2+ detection using cysteine modified silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are stable in a basic medium and the Surface Enhanced Raman Spectrum (SERS) reveal that the cysteine is bound to the Ag surface through the thiolate moiety with the charged carboxylate group pointing outwards in a morphology that lends itself to sensor applications. In the presence of Hg2+, the absorption peak is quenched resulting in a drastic colour change. The sensor displays high selectivity to Hg2+ over other metallic ions.

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Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemistry Analytical Chemistry
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