Visual colorimetric detection of UO22+ using o-phosphorylethanolamine-functionalized gold nanoparticles

A simple and selective colorimetric sensor based on o-phosphorylethanolamine-functionalized gold nanoparticles (OPA–Au NPs) as an optical probe has been developed for the detection of UO 2 2+ . OPA–Au NPs rapidly aggregate in the presence of UO 2 2+ , thereby causing a visual color change from red to blue, which is easily detectable by eye. The proposed sensing system possesses a selective response for UO 2 2+ over other heavy metal ions. The current method shows application potential for UO 2 2+ detection in real water samples.