Synthesis and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Gold Nanoclusters for Heavy Metal Ion Sensing

Ali, Reham; AlMousa, Reem; Saleh, Sayed M.

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.371230.11518

Synthesis and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Gold Nanoclusters for Heavy Metal Ion Sensing

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia.

² Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia

³ Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.

10.21608/ejchem.2025.371230.11518

Abstract

This research introduces a novel synthetic method for producing incredibly luminescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) using green tea extract (GTE). The synthesis process emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendliness by employing green tea extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The Cu(II) ions were traced using the synthesized GTE-AuNCs. Our recently devised method has enhanced the selectivity of AuNCs for Cu(II) ions. The green tea extract was incorporated into the synthesis process to increase and stabilize the quantity of AuNCs produced. Various instrumentation was employed to accurately differentiate the AuNCs based on their size, surface chemistry, and morphology. The fluorescence quenching of the AuNCs facilitated the GTE-AuNCs reaction with the target metal cations in the experiment. This sensing methodology offers a highly selective and accurate sensing method for Cu(II) in the 18.67 nM to 0.65 µM range, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.6 nM. Comparative research was conducted to determine the extent of selectivity of GTE-AuNCs for Cu(II) ions in comparison to other ions. AuNCs' substantial selectivity toward Cu(II) metal ions, despite the presence of interfering metal ions, subsequently facilitated the sensitive detection of Cu(II) metal ions in the environment. AuNCs are capable of detecting Cu(II) at levels that are acceptable within the nanomolar range. GTE-AuNCs were employed to detect Cu(II) ions in environmental samples, as determined by their properties.

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