Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles as Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Sensor for Environmentally Toxic Mercury Ions:...

Area of Science:

• Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Metal nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), exhibit unique optical properties distinct from their bulk counterparts.
• Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic element posing significant environmental and health risks due to its widespread contamination.
• Existing mercury detection methods are often time-consuming and require expensive instrumentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for the selective and sensitive detection of mercury ions (Hg II) in aqueous media.
• To highlight colorimetric and fluorimetric methods for mercury detection using various AgNP synthesis approaches.
• To emphasize the advantages of AgNP-based sensing over conventional techniques.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through diverse methodologies.
• Utilizing AgNPs for colorimetric detection of Hg (II) ions.
• Employing AgNPs for fluorimetric detection of Hg (II) ions.
• Investigating detection selectivity and sensitivity under various conditions.

Main Results:

• AgNPs enable rapid, economical, and sensitive detection of Hg (II) ions.
• Colorimetric and fluorimetric methods demonstrate high selectivity for mercury detection.
• Various AgNP synthesis routes yield effective sensing platforms for mercury.
• The developed methods offer a practical alternative to traditional mercury analysis.

Conclusions:

• Silver nanoparticles provide a powerful tool for the environmental monitoring of mercury contamination.
• AgNP-based colorimetric and fluorimetric assays are efficient, sensitive, and cost-effective for Hg (II) detection.
• This review underscores the potential of nanoscience in addressing critical environmental challenges like mercury pollution.