A colorimetric sensor based on catechol-terminated mixed self-assembled monolayers modified gold nanoparticles for ultrasensitive detections of copper ions

A colorimetric sensor for Cu(ii) ions has been developed based on mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The AuNPs were modified with mixed SAMs consisting of mercaptosuccinic acid and the product of electrochemically triggered Michael addition reaction of 4-thiouracil and catechol. In the presence of Cu(ii) ions, the coordination of Cu ²⁺ to catechol-terminated AuNPs leads to aggregation-induced changes of surface plasmon resonance. The cost-effective chemical sensor allows rapid, sensitive and selective detection of Cu²⁺ ions, indicating its potential application in environmental field.