Detection, size characterization and quantification of silver nanoparticles in consumer products by particle collision coulometry

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in industrial and consumer products owing to its antimicrobial nature multiple applications. Consequently, their release into the environment is becoming a big concern because of negative impacts on living organisms. In this work, AgNPs were detected at potential + 0.70 V vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode, characterized, quantified by particle collision coulometry (PCC). The electrochemical results compared with those measured electron microscopy single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. theoretical practical peculiarities application PCC technique characterization studied. Reproducible size distributions range 10–100 nm diameters. A power allometric function model was found between frequency collisions onto electrode surface number concentration up silver 1010 L−1 (ca. 25 ng for 10 AgNPs). linear relationship observed 5 × 107 L−1. method applied quantification determination three-silver containing (a natural antibiotic two food supplements). mean (of order 10–20 diameters) agrees microscopy.