Optical Sensing of Mercury Using Fluorescent Silver and Gold Nanoclusters

Abstract

n this study, gold and silver nanoclusters were employed for optical sensing of mercury. Nanoclusters used in this research had different chemical properties and showed different interactions with mercury producing specific optical responses including UV-Vis absorbance and fluorescence. These responses were quantitatively studied in the solution phase. The sensitive methods developed in this study were tested using mercury standards and accurate and precise results were obtained. Optical responses could also be monitored by naked eye. Finally, portable and simple glass fiber pads were developed for mercury sensing.

Keywords

• mercury sensing
• optical sensors
• gold nanoclusters
• silver nanoclusters
• fluorescence
• colorimetry
• portable optical devices