Oxidation-triggered aggregation of gold nanoparticles for naked-eye detection of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

Naked-eye detection of H₂O₂ was realized based on the color change of gold nanoparticles upon aggregation. The removal of polyethylene glycol chains from the nanoparticle surface under H₂O₂ treatment let to the exposure of inner hydrophobic ligands, causing the nanoparticle aggregation in aqueous medium. This detection system shows a wide dynamic range in the μM scale and a distinguishable limit of 10 μM.