Colorimetric detection of copper ions using gold nanorods in aquatic environment

On the basis of that Cu2+ can accelerate the leaching rate of Au by thiosulfate, a colorimetric, unlabeled and non-aggregating gold nanorod (GNR) probe has been developed for the determination of trace-level Cu2+ in aqueous solutions. Our study demonstrates a high sensitivity and rapid response towards Cu2+ with a detectable range (20-200 nM). Effect factors such as the ratio of NH3/NH4Cl, the concentration of S2O32-, the bath temperature and the heating time were researched to investigate the influences on the copper detection process by the S2O32- GNRs sensor. The method studied in this project is highlighted by its high selectivity and high tolerance to interferences, which can be used to detect trace amounts of Cu2+ ions in water samples quickly and sensitively, indicating the potential suitability of copper detection in various applications.