Synthesis of Ag@PANI nanocomposites by complexation method and their application as label-free chemo-probe for detection of mercury ions

Abstract

Abstract A novel optical probe consistinsg of Ag@PANI (silver-polyaniline) nanocomposites was developed for detection of mercury ions (Hg2+). The poly-dispersed Ag@PANI nanocomposites were synthesized by complexation reaction method. We studied structural and functional properties of polymer nanocomposites thoroughly. Ag@PANI nanocomposites consist of fibrous morphology with a mean particle size of 31.39 nm. Ag@PANI nanocomposites consist of face-centered cubic crystal structure with an average crystallite size of 19.41 nm. Raman spectroscopy was used in sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ ions in dynamic range of 0.01–0.1 ppm with limit of detection of 0.019 ppm. Ag@PANI nanocomposite sensor for Hg (II) ions has shown some sublime results in pH range 3–5. Ag@PANI-based sensing probe can be beneficial for Hg2+ ions detection in highly sensitive biological, chemical and environmental analysis. Our sensing probe has shown good reproducibility, and all recorded observations revealed that sensing probe consisting of Ag@PANI nanocomposites is well suited for detection of Hg2+ ions.