Glycylglycine functionalized water-dispersible gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared andcharacterized on the basis of ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR),dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX)analysis. The AuNPs exhibited a strong SPR band at 522 nm, which after functionalization with glycylglycine,appeared at 525 nm. This SPR band of the functionalized nanoparticles is used as a tool for thedetection of toxic metal ions in water. A large number of metal ions were tested, among which Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺,and Cr²⁺ exhibited distinct colour change, detectable with bare eye, and substantial UV-vis spectral change.TEM images and EDX analysis suggested that the colour change is due to metal-induced aggregation of thefunctionalized nanoparticles due to inter-particle plasmon coupling. The aggregation, which resulted in anincrease in particle size, is further confirmed by DLS measurement. A mechanism of metal-induced aggregationis also proposed. The present study is an example of a simple methodology to prepare water-dispersiblefunctionalized nanoparticle for colorimetric detection of toxic heavy metal ions such as Cr²⁺, Pb²⁺,and Hg²⁺ with high sensitivity.

Synopsis Glycylglycine functionalized water dispersible gold nanoaprticles were prepared, characterized and its metal-ion sensing property was evaluated with the aid of spectroscopic, microscopic and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. These nanoparticles detect Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cr3+ with colour change due to inter particle plasmon coupling because of metal-induced aggregation of the nanoparticles.