Synthesis of Dual Opto-Magnetic Property Bearing Nanocomposite and its Utility in the Detection of Cu2+ Ions
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: In the present work, mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) stabilized silver nanoparticles (Ag@MPA) and Ag/Fe@MPA opto-magnetic nanocomposites were successfully synthesized through a facile and efficient chemical approach for potential applications in heavy metal ion sensing and remediation. FTIR studies confirmed the covalent binding of MPA onto the Ag nanoparticle surface through Ag–S linkage, while the terminal carboxylic acid groups remained available for surface interactions and colloidal stabilization. TEM analysis revealed the formation of predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average particle size of 20 ± 3 nm and good dispersibility. The Ag@MPA nanoparticles exhibited pronounced pH-responsive behavior in aqueous medium, where reversible aggregation and redispersion occurred due to protonation and deprotonation of the surface carboxylic groups. The sensing performance of the Ag/Fe3O4 nanocomposite toward different heavy metal ions was investigated using a colorimetric approach. Among the tested ions, Cu2+ ions produced a distinct color change in the nanoparticle dispersion, whereas Hg2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ ions showed negligible response, demonstrating the selective detection capability of the nanocomposite toward Cu2+, with LOD value of 0.1 mM. Furthermore, the magnetic Fe3O4@MPA component enabled rapid magnetic separation of the Cu2+-bound nanoparticle assemblies from the aqueous medium using an external magnetic field, thereby facilitating simultaneous detection and removal of Cu2+ ions. The combined plasmonic sensing and magnetic separability of the Ag/Fe@MPA nanocomposite make it a promising multifunctional platform for environmental monitoring, selective heavy metal ion detection, and wastewater remediation applications.
Source: ChemRxiv
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7205004377