Synthesis and characterization of new tyrosine capped anisotropic silver nanoparticles and their exploitation for the selective determination of iodide ions

The assessment of the iodine status of natural waters is crucial for focusing future strategies for controlling and monitoring iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Nanoparticles have been increasingly used as sensors for several organic and inorganic analytes. In this study, we report the synthesis of new Tyrosine Capped Anisotropic Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs were characterized by TEM, UV–vis spectroscopy, and polarized and depolarized dynamic light scattering measurements, and were used for the quantitative determination of iodide ions in the presence of excess chloride ions. Both anions gave rise to an etching of the tips of the nanoprims converting them in rounded nanoplates. However, iodide ions perform this etching much better than chloride ones, allowing for their selective determination in tap waters. Fluoride and bromide anions give rise to a more efficient etching than chloride ions, but their presence does not interfere with iodide determination. This method was also used to determine the concentration of iodide in a sample of drinking water.