Process Optimization of Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis and Its Application in Mercury Detection

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess desirable reactivity and optical properties for diverse applications.
• Challenges exist in AgNP synthesis and precise dosage determination for applications like coloring.
• Existing methods for trace mercury detection can be expensive and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis for enhanced stability and purity.
• To develop a simple, cost-effective method for detecting trace mercury in environmental samples.
• To establish optimal parameters for AgNP synthesis, including reagent sequence, temperature, time, pH, and concentration.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated synthesis parameters: reagent addition sequence, temperature, time, pH, and concentration.
• Utilized color intensity and AgNP purity as criteria for optimization.
• Developed an AgNP-based detection method for mercury and established a calibration curve.

Main Results:

• Identified optimal AgNP synthesis: mixing silver nitrate and trisodium citrate, followed by sodium borohydride addition, and final pH adjustment to 12.
• Achieved stable AgNP products with excellent purity and color intensity.
• Demonstrated high linearity (R² > 0.99) for mercury detection in the 0.1-2 ppb range.

Conclusions:

• A robust and reproducible AgNP synthesis protocol was established.
• The AgNP-based method provides a sensitive and linear detection of trace mercury.
• This technique offers a potential alternative to expensive equipment for mercury detection in food and environmental monitoring.