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Real-Time Tracking of Ion Migration Process at the Single-Nanoparticle Level
Bin Bin Chen1,2, Da Jun Wu1, Zi Yue Jin1
1School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|February 16, 2026
Summary
Researchers visualized silver ion migration in selenium nanoparticles using dark-field microscopy. This transformation allows for real-time tracking and creates a nanomaterial for Ag+ detection and cancer theranostics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Ion migration in nanomaterials significantly impacts their photophysical properties.
- Real-time monitoring of ion migration within individual nanoparticles is crucial but challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To achieve in situ visualization of ion migration at the single-nanoparticle level.
- To develop a method for tracking crystal phase transformations in nanomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a dark-field microscopy (DFM) platform for real-time optical tracking.
- Investigated the interaction of silver ions (Ag+) with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs).
Main Results:
- Observed the phase transformation of SeNPs to cubic Ag2Se upon Ag+ ion permeation.
- Demonstrated a distinct color shift in scattered light (green to red) indicating the transformation.
- Established Ag2Se as a sensitive probe for Ag+ detection and a photothermal nanoreagent.
Conclusions:
- Provided direct visual insight into ion migration and crystal phase transformation dynamics.
- Established a general strategy for tracking ion migration, aiding in the design of functional nanomaterials.
- Highlighted the potential of Ag2Se nanomaterials for cancer theranostics.
