A simple colorimetric sensor for visual detection of Hg(II) ions using functionalized gold nanoparticles modified by 5-(m-aminophenyl)tetrazoles

Functionalized Au nanomaterials have significant potential in colorimetric detection of fatal toxic metals. In this work, a simply colorimetric sensor was designed and prepared for visual detection of Hg(II) ions based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified by 5-(m-aminophenyl)tetrazole (APT) and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV − vis absorption spectroscopy. The colorimetric sensor exhibited the fine anti-interference and selectivity in an environment with the presence of other interfering ions. The limit of detection (LOD) is 0.6 µmol/L by the naked eye, and 0.21 µmol/L by UV-vis spectroscopy, indicating that the sensor of AuNPs modified with APT (APT@ AuNPs) could be used for the quantitative determination of Hg2+. Based on the above peculiarity, the sensor could be used to detect Hg2+ in real samples.