New application of old methods: Development of colorimetric sensor array based on Tollen’s reagent for the discrimination of aldehydes based on Tollen’s reagent

Qualitative and quantitative testing of aldehydes is meaningful for chemical toxin detection, food inspection, and disease monitoring. Herein, we reported a simple, accurate, and selective Tollen’s reagent-based colorimetric sensor array for determination and detection of aldehydes. Three kinds of negatively charged gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with different sizes (13, 22, and 40 nm) were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential measurement. In the presence of aldehydes, Ag+ from Tollen’s reagent was attracted by the negative charge on the surface of Au NPs. Ag+ was reduced into Ag0 in situ, forming Au@Ag core–shell nanostructure and resulting in a significant color change. Detailed morphological and dimensional changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. ΔRGB values (the value changes in the red, green, and blue color model) of Au NPs were captured as the optical signal for further data processing. Results of pattern recognition indicated the outstanding discrimination performance of the system for identification of aldehydes. Moreover, the array possessed quantitative detection capability for formaldehyde, selectivity , and reproducibility and thus has great potential in practical detection.