Amplification of localized surface plasmon resonance signals by a gold nanorod assembly and ultra-sensitive detection of mercuryf

摘要

Controlled assembly of gold nanorods induced by Na_3PO_4 leads to a significant amplification of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) signals. The strong affinity between Au and Hg alters the coupled LSPR signals due to the amalgamation of Hg and Au. This allows detection of Hg in aqueous solutions with ultra-high sensitivity and excellent selectivity, without sample pretreatment.