Silver Nanoparticle-Based Sensor for the Selective Detection of Nickel Ions

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Sensing
• Materials Science

Background:

• Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with nanoparticles enables real-time molecule detection.
• Surface functionalization of nanoparticles is key for sensor selectivity.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are promising for SPR-based sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and functionalize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA).
• To develop a selective colorimetric sensor for detecting nickel ions (Ni2+).
• To characterize the AgNPs@11MUA nanoparticles and validate their sensing capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of AgNPs under reducing conditions.
• Functionalization of AgNPs with 11-MUA.
• Characterization using UV-VIS Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and Infrared Spectroscopy.
• Detection of Ni2+ using SPR principles.

Main Results:

• Formation of AgNPs confirmed by UV-VIS spectroscopy with a surface plasmon absorption band (SPAB) at 393 nm, shifting to 417 nm after 11-MUA coating.
• SEM, EDX, and Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful surface functionalization with 11-MUA.
• The AgNPs@11MUA sensor selectively detected micromolar levels of Ni2+ in the presence of various other cations.

Conclusions:

• Successfully synthesized and functionalized AgNPs with 11-MUA.
• Developed a selective and sensitive SPR-based colorimetric sensor for Ni2+ detection.
• The AgNPs@11MUA sensor demonstrates potential for real-time monitoring of nickel ions in complex mixtures.