title: Aminopyrazole-based ligand induces gold nanoparticle formation and remains available for heavy metal ions sensing. A simple "mix and detect" approach.
abstract: A novel way to synthesize gold nanoparticles based on the use of N-alkylaminopyrazole is shown. This ligand has a triple functionality: induces AuNPs formation, stabilizes the formed nanoparticles, and even remains available for an external coordination with heavy metal ions. The availability of N-alkylaminopyrazole ligands onto the AuNPs surface is studied using UV-vis and NMR techniques. The mechanism of formation of AuNPs along with the synthesis optimization and characterization are studied using voltammetry and UV-vis, and the results are discussed in detail. The application of N-alkylaminopyrazole-derived gold nanoparticles in the heavy metal ions sensing is also tested showing a high sensitivity for mercury detection at low concentration level. The functionalization of metal nanoparticles with these receptors followed by heavy metal ions detection represents a simple "mix and detect" approach with interest for several other sensing applications.
authors.affiliation: Nanobioelectronics & Biosensors Group, Institut Català de Nanotecnologia, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aragay
authors.forename: Josefina
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pons
authors.forename: Josep
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ros
authors.forename: Arben
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Merkoçi
mesh_terms: D006046:Gold; D008024:Ligands; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D008024:Ligands; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D011720:Pyrazoles; D006046:Gold; D008628:Mercury