Synthesis of silver nanoparticles in methacrylic acid solution by gamma radiolysis and their application for estimation of dopamine at low concentrations

Polymethacrylate capped silver nanoparticles have been synthesized in aqueous solution by gamma radiolysis method. The nanoparticle synthesis and polymerization of methacrylic acid occurred simultaneously in situ. Effect of different parameters such as precursor concentration and alkalinity on nanoparticle formation has been studied. These silver nanoparticles were tested for estimation of dopamine (DA) by monitoring surface plasmon band of nanoparticles at various DA concentrations. The result showed the response of spectral change towards DA concentration is linear in the DA concentration in the range of 5.27 x 10(-7) to 1.58 x 10(-5) mol dm(-3). Also the interference of ascorbic acid (AA) in estimation of DA has also been studied. AA concentration up to 1.0 X 10(-4) mol dm(-3) does not interfere in the estimation of DA in the range of 5.27 x 10(-7) to 1.05 x 10(-5) mol dm(-3). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.