Investigations on mercury ion detection in aqueous solution by triglycine surface activated porous silicon nanowires

Abstract Porous silicon nanowires (PSiNWs) surfaces were grafted with organic functional groups. The obtained hybrid structure was tested as probe electrode for the electrochemical detection of mercury (Hg(II)) in solution. An electrochemical study of the Glycyl-Glycyl-Glycine-modified PSiNWs electrode is achieved in the presence of mercury ions. The recorded cyclic voltammograms show a quasi-irreversible process corresponding to the Hg(II)/Hg couple. These results demonstrate the potential role of peptides grafted on porous silicon nanowire in developing strategies for simple and fast detection of metal ions in solution.