Optimization of a sensitive method for the “switch-on” determination of mercury(II) in waters using Rhodamine B capped gold nanoparticles as a fluorescence sensor

Monodisperse and “naked” gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were modified with thioglycolic acid (TGA). The fluorescence of rhodamine B (RB) is quenched completely by the gold NPs surface with negative charge mainly as a result of fluorescence resonance energy transition (FRET) and collision. The quenching mechanism can be described by a Langmuir isotherm, which was systematically investigated by steady-state fluorescence spectrometry and absorption spectrometry. Hg(II) ion disrupts the GNPs–RB pair, producing a large “switch-on” fluorescence. A low background, highly sensitive and reproducible fluorescence assay for Hg(II) is presented. Under the optimum conditions, the restoration fluorescence intensity is proportional to the concentration of Hg(II). The calibration graphs are linear over the range of 1.0?×?10^?9 to 3.1?×?10^?8 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 4.0?×?10^?10 mol L^?1. The relative standard deviation was 1.2% for a 5.0?×?10^?9 mol L^?1 Hg(II) solution (N?=?6). This method was applied to the analysis of Hg(II) in environmental water samples, and the results were consistent with those of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).