Hybrid multilayer surface plasmon resonance sensor based on tantalum pentoxide and silver gallium sulfide for ultra-trace detection of lead (II) ions in environmental samples
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Pollution of water by lead ions (\(\:{Pb}^{2+}\)) presents a serious health risk and requires sensitive and selective approaches for detecting environmental risks. Hence, the detection of this Pb 2+ ion has been done by employing the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor with a six-layer structure that includes tantalum pentoxide (\(\:{Ta}_{2}{O}_{5}\)), silver (Ag), silver gallium sulfide \(\:{(AgGaS}_{2})\), and black phosphorus (BP) to provide real-time and accurate detection of Pb 2+ ions. The sensor performance is analyzed at a 633 nm wavelength using the transfer matrix method (TMM) and angular interrogation (AI). Firstly, the optimization of the prism and the thickness of the Ag layer is achieved by analyzing the sensing performance of the prism under various prism configurations and different Ag thicknesses, respectively. Next, the effectiveness of the suggested sensor is evaluated by comparing its sensing properties with those of other layered structures. And then, sensitive and precise detection of Pb 2+ ions is done with the optimized configuration. The proposed sensor showed a strong sensor response with the sensitivity of 335.4655°/RIU, a quality factor (QF) of 202.6044\(\:{\:(RIU}^{-1})\), and a detection accuracy (DA) of 5.5701. These performance improvements demonstrate that the proposed design has superior detection capabilities compared to traditional SPR sensors. This can be particularly useful for environmental monitoring and the health and safety of people.
Source: Next Nanotechnology
Institution: Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,280
Funder: K L University
OpenAlex ID: W7214443645