Green silver-nanoparticle-based dual sensor for toxic Hg(II) ions

The present study focuses on the utilization of green silver nanoparticles, as they are preferred for sensing applications due to their environmentally friendly nature. We have examined the optical and electrochemical sensing behavior of silver nanoparticles from Agaricus bisporus (AgNP-AB) towards Hg(II) ions. The AgNP-AB was prepared by microwave reactor. The synthesized AgNP was used for the sensing of Hg(II) ions without the use of modifiers or further sophisticated instrumentation. The synthesized nanoparticles were successfully characterized by different techniques. AgNP-AB leads to aggregation with the addition of Hg(II) ions in aqueous medium, and develops a color change from brown to black which leads to the formation of AgNP-AB-Hg(II) complex. Moreover, the metal sensing ability of AgNP has been explored using electrochemical studies. AgNP-AB modified platinum electrode (AgNP-AB/PE) was developed for the fast sensing of toxic Hg(II) ions. The sensor exhibits a good limit of detection at 2.1 × 10^-6 M. The sensitivity of AgNP-AB/PE towards Hg(II) ions was analyzed with various metal ions. The sensing skill of the developed system was successfully checked with real water samples from Vembanade Lake, Kumarakom, Kerala. AgNP from A. bisporus is highly versatile and promising for different environmental applications.