Colorimetric quantitative sensing of alkali metal ions based on reversible assembly and disassembly of gold nanoparticles

•A new method for colorimetric sensing of alkali metal ions by Au NPs is described.•Sensing is based on the color changes by the assembly and disassembly of Au NPs.•The color changes of the Au NPs with ion concentrations occur reversibly.•As Au NP diameters and ionic radii increase, critical concentration decreases.

A novel and simple method for the colorimetric quantitative sensing of individual alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, and Rb+) based on the reversible properties of self-assembled aggregates and individual gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) is described. This paper demonstrates reversible self-assembly processes where the degree of assembly and disassembly is dependent on the individual alkali metal ion concentration, nanoparticle size, and alkali metal ionic radii. The color changes of the colloidal Au NPs with metal ion concentrations in colloidal NP solutions occur reversibly. Below a certain concentration of alkali metal ions, the aggregates of Au NPs are redispersed. As the Au NP diameters and the alkali metal ionic radii increase, the critical concentration decreases.