Anisotropic silver nanoparticles deposited on zeolite a for selective Hg2+ colorimetric sensing and antibacterial studies

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles deposited on the surface of zeolite A were prepared via post ion-exchange reduction, and reduction-deposition methods. Formation of the silver nanoparticles on the surface of zeolite A was verified by surface plasmon spectra using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Morphology of the prepared samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles deposited on the zeolite A, after fixation of Rhodamine B dye molecules over themselves, were successful in detecting Hg2+ ions selectively. After treatment with the so-obtained sensor, color change from colorless to pink was visible to the naked eye for the Hg2+ solution concentrations down to 1.0?10-8 mol.L-1. Antibacterial tests demonstrated the multifunctional application of the silver nanoparticles deposited on zeolite A.