Toxic Ag+ detection based on Au@Ag core shell nanostructure formation using Tannic acid assisted synthesis of Pullulan stabilized gold nanoparticles

Herein, a sensitive colorimetric detection strategy is proposed for Ag+ detection based on the use of environmentally friendly synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), at room temperature, using (tannic acid, TA), as the reductant and pullulan (PUL) as stabilizing agent. The colloidal solution (TA/PUL-AuNPs), at the optimal synthesis conditions, showed maximum absorbance at 529 nm with a berry red color. TEM and FESEM validated that the particles are spherical and monodispersed, while other characterization results elucidated the role of pullulan in the nano-synthesis. Ag+ addition to the probe (TA/PUL-AuNPs), pH 11, resulted in naked-eye color changes, owing to Au@Ag core shell nanostructure formation. Further, the added Ag+ is reduced to AgNPs, on the surface of the TA/PUL-AuNPs probe. A hypsochromic shift in the absorption maximum, from 529 to 409 nm was observed, while (A(Ag+)-A(bl))@409 nm exhibited linearity with Ag+ concentrations, from 0.100 to 150 mu M. The estimated limit of detection was 30.8 nM, which is far lower than the acceptable limit of 0.930 mu M from the regulatory agency. The TA/PUL-AuNPs probe was further tested for Ag+ detection in lake water samples, and it displayed satisfactory detection performances for real sample applications.

Automated summary

A sensitive colorimetric detection strategy for Ag+ detection was proposed using environmentally friendly synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with tannic acid (TA) as the reductant and pullulan (PUL) as the stabilizing agent. The synthesized TA/PUL-AuNPs showed maximum absorbance at 529 nm and exhibited a berry red color. Addition of Ag+ to the probe resulted in color changes due to the formation of Au@Ag core shell nanostructure. The probe showed a hypsochromic shift in absorption maximum, from 529 to 409 nm, and demonstrated linear response to Ag+ concentrations.