Dual colorimetric detection and chemical reduction toward silver ions of imidazole-conjugated poly(diacetylenes)

In this article, we reported a new poly(diacetylenes)-based sensor (PDA-IBA) for silver ion detection and reduction through the chelation of imidazole moiety. The poly(diacetylenes) polymer functionalized with imidazole groups. As the concentration of silver ions in the solution increased, the PDA surface underwent oxidation concurrently with the reduction of silver ions was demonstrated through imidazole receptor. This chemical reaction resulted in a noticeable change in the color of the solution, shifting from blue to dark red. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 0.034 mM. Zeta potential data analysis and electrochemical measurements further confirmed the PDA-IBA was capable to reduce Ag⁺ into Ag⁰. Moreover, the silver species produced were validated through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Additionally, the color change observed in PDA-IBA as a response to silver ions was effectively demonstrated by integrating it into a paper-based sensor. This study introduces an innovative and promising approach for enhancing the capabilities of chemosensors in detecting and reducing Ag⁺.