Abstract
The present study reports a simple method for the colorimetric detection of Hg(II) ions from aqueous samples by using Ag/Cu-cellulose nanocomposite (NCs) in presence of glutathione and evaluation of its photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities. The characterization of NCs was done by using UV–vis spectrophotometer, particle size analyzer, TGA/DTA, FT-IR, TEM, XRD, EDS, particle size analyzer and zeta sizer. Ag/Cu-cellulose NCs synthesised by chemical reduction method and the particle size was determined to be 18 ± 1.4 nm. NCs showed an absorption peak at 428 nm. The colour disappearance of NCs from brownish yellow observed up on the addition of 1mM Hg(II) in presence of glutathione. UV–vis absorption spectra decreased upon accelerating the Hg(II) concentrations (20 nM -100 nM) in presence of glutathione and the LOD value was determined to be 4.9 nM. The prepared probe was determined to be highly sensitive and specific for the detection of Hg(II). Hence, the present study can be applied for the quantitative and qualitative determination Hg(II) from water samples at nanomolar level. The particles showed effective anti-microbial activity against E. coli and B. subtilis. The particle also showed efficient photocatalytic activity, hence the particles may be applied for the detoxification of toxic pollutants.