AgNPs functionalized with dithizone for the detection of Hg2+ based on surface–enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy

Abstract Mercuric ion (Hg2+), a poisonous metal ion that remained in water ecosystems, can severely damage the human central and peripheral nervous system and kidneys. Consequently, rapid and highly sensitive methods to determine trace Hg2+ are meaningful to discuss. We have proposed a novel approach of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for the quantitative analysis of Hg2+ in water samples using dithizone (DTZ) as a Raman reporter. DTZ-modified silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced a strong SERS signal. In the presence of Hg2+, the DTZ can capture Hg2+ composing a stable structure, resulting in DTZ leaving the surface of the AgNPs, with an accompanying decrease in the signal. The proposed SERS assay showed a linear range of 10−4–10−8 M, with a limit of detection of 9.83 × 10−9 M. The sensor has low detection cost, rapid detection speed, and uncomplicated sample pretreatment. Furthermore, this method can be successfully utilized to detect Hg2+rapidly in water samples, which sheds new light on the detection of Hg2+ in the environment.