| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1487005 | Materials Research Bulletin | 2016 | 8 Pages |
•Sensing of Hg2+ was investigated in three different phases using AgNPs.•Upon addition of Hg2+, AgNPs tend to aggregate together and it forms Ag/Hg.•Aggregation leads to shift in the SPR with a color change from yellow to colorless.•Nanosensor shows the LOD of 25 nM with good linear correlation R2 = 0.992.•Nanoprobes in the form of gel and paper strips were showed good sensitivity.
We have investigated the chemical synthesis of gelatin functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their physico-chemical characteristics for sensing of mercury (II) ions (Hg2+). Gelatin functionalized AgNPs were prepared by chemical reduction method. The colorimetric sensing of Hg2+ was carried out in three different phases including solution, hydrogel network and paper substrate. AgNPs tend to aggregate upon addition of Hg2+ and exhibit a color change from yellow to colorless due to aggregation of AgNPs and leads to the formation of Ag/Hg amalgam. This nanosensor probe exhibited good sensitivity for the detection of Hg2+ with detection limit of (LOD) 25 nM. In addition, we have studied the sensing of Hg2+ using disposable paper strips and 3D hydrogel matrix. In both cases, the sensor exhibits similar characteristics with respect to sensitivity and selectivity for Hg2+ detection under optimized conditions. This gelatin functionalized AgNPs probe is highly versatile and promising for various applications including sensor, antimicrobial coatings, catalysis and food monitoring.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideSchematic representation of colorimetric sensing of Hg2+ using gelatin functionalized AgNPs.
