Extending Ag Nanoparticles as Colorimetric Sensor to Industrial Zinc Electrolyte for Cobalt Ion Detection

The direct and rapid determination of trace cobalt ion (Co2+) in the electrolyte of zinc smelting plants is urgently needed but is impeded by the severe interference of extremely high-concentration zinc ions in the solution. Herein, colorimetric detection of Co2+ by the polyvinylpyrrolidone functionalized silver nanoparticles (PVP-AgNPs) is realized in solutions with the Zn/Co ratio being high, up to (0.8-5) x 10(4), which is located within the ratio range in industrial solution. The high concentration of Zn2+ induces a strong attenuation of Co2+-related signals in ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) extinction spectra; nevertheless, a good linear range for detecting 1-6 mg/L Co2+ in 50 g/L Zn2+ solution is still acquired. The strong anti-interference toward other metal ions and the mechanism understanding for trace Co2+ detection in such a high-concentration Zn2+ solution are also revealed by systematic analysis techniques. The results extend the AgNPs as colorimetric sensors to industrial solutions, providing a new strategy for detecting trace-metal ions in industrial plants.

Automated summary

The colorimetric detection of trace cobalt ions (Co2+) in electrolyte of zinc smelting plants is achieved using polyvinylpyrrolidone functionalized silver nanoparticles (PVP-AgNPs) even in high zinc ion concentration solutions. The strong attenuation of Co2+-related signals in ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) extinction spectra caused by high concentration of Zn2+ is overcome, allowing for detection of 1-6 mg/L Co2+ in a 50 g/L Zn2+ solution. Systematic analysis techniques reveal the strong anti-interference ability and mechanism understanding for trace Co2+ detection in high-concentration Zn2+ solution. These results expand the application of AgNPs as colorimetric sensors to industrial solutions, providing a new strategy for detecting trace-metal ions in industrial plants.