Gold nanoparticle-based pH sensor in highly alkaline region at pH > 11: surface-enhanced Raman scattering study

A surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy study showed that citrate-reduced gold nanoparticles ( approximately 15 nm diameter, approximately 9 x 10(-9) M concentration, approximately 2 x 10(-2) M ionic strength) were found to be utilized as a colorimetric sensor by exhibiting a distinct color change at a highly alkaline pH > 11.5. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of 4-ethynylpyridine (4-EP) on gold nanoparticle surfaces indicated that the multiple peaks in the v(C identical withC) stretching bands should vary significantly in the highly alkaline region from pH 12 to 14. As the pH value increased, the v(C identical withC) stretching band intensity at approximately 2080 cm(-1) became stronger than that at approximately 2010 cm(-1). The pK(1/2) value was determined to be around 13 by the SERS titration of taking intensity ratios of I(2080) with respect to I(2010). Using SERS enhancements and conspicuous spectral changes, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 4-EP on Au nanoparticles holds potential as a pH sensor for sensitive detection of the hydroxide OH(-) concentration at around pH 13 in an aqueous solution. The pH calibration from SERS titration of 4-EP is expected to have advantages in terms of higher alkaline detection limit and more precise measurements, if compared with the indigo carmine, the pK(1/2) value of which is 12.2.