Preparation of Spin-Coated Poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/ Gold Nanoparticles Compositeand Its Potential for Colorimetric Detectionof Cyanide in Water
Marco Laurence M. Budlayan, Jeanne Phyre L. Oracion, Lyka De La Rosa, Mikee Joy Rodriguez, Jonathan N. Patricio, Ser John Lynon P. Perez, Susan D. Arco, Jonathan P. Manigo, Eleanor Austria, Arnold C. Alguno, Custer C. Deocaris, Rey Y. Capangpangan
Abstract
The rampant use of cyanide in mining activities has posed a substantial hazard to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Herein, a composite film of poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (PVA/CS) with gold nanoparticles was synthesized as a potential colorimetric sensor for cyanide ions detection in water. The utilized AuNPs with a mean diameter of 14.323.49 nm were synthesized by chemical reduction using polyethyleneimine. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy revealed the characteristic peak of AuNPs at around 530 nm in the spectrum of PVA/CS/AuNP film, while SEM microscopy revealed the integration AuNPs across the polymer substrate. A color change from red to colorless was observed on the composite film after the addition of water samples with cyanide ions with a visual detection limit between 0.1-1 ppm. The sensor also exhibited good selectivity towards cyanide against the tested water samples containing