Exploring the Catalytic Activity and Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing Abilities of Low-Density Silica Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Analysis

Abstract

Abstract In this study, low density silica nanoparticles (LDS) were synthesized and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for dye removal and nanosensors for hydrogen peroxide detection. Organosilane silica nanoparticles were produced and calcinated at 400°C to produce low density particles. SEM, FTIR, DLS, and zeta potential analysis were used to characterize the generated particles. The results confirmed that the particle size, charge, and density varied with the APTES concentration. The results showed that at lower APTES concentrations, small particles (70-75 nm) were created, but at higher concentrations, larger particles (420-430 nm) were produced. The particle density changed depending on the APTES content. The UV absorption spectra of APTES-added samples varied significantly between 440 and 480 nm.The dye removal activity was measured using crystal violet dye; under UV irradiation, the particles destroyed up to 90% of the dye within 120 minutes, and the kinetics were also detailed. HRP-coated LDS was used as a nanosensor for detecting H2O2. Results indicated linearity of 5´10-10 ~ 1´10-5 (M) (R2=0.995), and a detection limit of 5 nm mol. The milk was spiked with H2O2 at varied concentrations and used as detections for the actual sample analysis. Finally, this paper describes the simplest way for producing tailored low-density silica, which is ideal for biomedical and drug delivery applications..