About this Research Topic
In recent times, a great problem for the water ecosystem is the even more presence of the so-called emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical, azo-compounds, bacteria and pesticides, in addition, with an increasing amount of the heavy metals fraction resulting by the anthroposphere activities. A novel, highly sensitive and low-cost approach for the detection of this novel compounds can be useful. Metal nanoparticles, with their high surface area and the so-called surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band, which falls in the visible region of the spectrum, can be used as high-sensitive sensor for the detection of these types of molecules.
The SPR properties are associated with particles size, shape, capping agents, and consequently any changes in these parameters affect the SPE absorption frequency associated with a colour change. Therefore, the SPR band is highly sensitive to the surrounding chemical environment and the change on its characteristic can be used for the nanoparticle’s application as colorimetric sensors.
Several approaches can be used for the optimization of nanoparticles-based sensor: aggregation induced by interparticle cross-linking, shape modification, functionalization of the nanoparticles and specific interaction with analyte or fluorescence quenching. This Research Topic aims to contribute to the preparation and the design of novel metal-based nanoparticles by green approach, by using natural and/or environmentally friendly compounds and promoting the use of these nanoparticles as colorimetric sensors for the detection of these new emerging type of contaminants. We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• Designed and synthesis of novel metal nanoparticles and their functionalization by green-method approaches
• Application of the novel metal nanoparticles as sensors for the detection of emerging contaminants and/or heavy metals in aqueous solution
• Nanoparticles-based sensors with improved selectivity and sensitivity for the selected emerging contaminants
The SPR properties are associated with particles size, shape, capping agents, and consequently any changes in these parameters affect the SPE absorption frequency associated with a colour change. Therefore, the SPR band is highly sensitive to the surrounding chemical environment and the change on its characteristic can be used for the nanoparticle’s application as colorimetric sensors.
Several approaches can be used for the optimization of nanoparticles-based sensor: aggregation induced by interparticle cross-linking, shape modification, functionalization of the nanoparticles and specific interaction with analyte or fluorescence quenching. This Research Topic aims to contribute to the preparation and the design of novel metal-based nanoparticles by green approach, by using natural and/or environmentally friendly compounds and promoting the use of these nanoparticles as colorimetric sensors for the detection of these new emerging type of contaminants. We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• Designed and synthesis of novel metal nanoparticles and their functionalization by green-method approaches
• Application of the novel metal nanoparticles as sensors for the detection of emerging contaminants and/or heavy metals in aqueous solution
• Nanoparticles-based sensors with improved selectivity and sensitivity for the selected emerging contaminants
Keywords: Metal nanoparticles, Colorimetric sensors, Emerging pollutants, Heavy metals, Environmental chemistry
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