Colorimetric detection of quaternary ammonium surfactants using citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs)†
Abstract
A rapid and low-cost colorimetric method for detection of quaternary ammonium surfactants using citrate-stabilized AuNPs based on the hydrophobic effect was developed. The LODs of different surfactants ranged from 0.5 μM to 5 μM.