One-step rapid colorimetric detection of K+ using silver nanoparticles modified by crown ether

Urinary potassium is an important parameter in clinical health diagnosis. Rapid and convenient detection of potassium ions (K+) in urine is essential for personal healthcare and health management. Here, crown ether (4-aminodibenzo-18-crown-6, ADC) modified silver nanoparticles (ADC-Ag NPs) were successfully prepared for one-step rapid colorimetric detection of urinary potassium. The detection mechanism is as follows: due to the matching sizes of the diameter of K+ and the cavity in crown ether 6, K+ is encapsulated between the cavities of two crown ethers, resulting in the clumping of ADC-Ag NPs and the color of the solution being altered. The colorimetric detection method has a fast response and is completed within 20 minutes. It also shows good selectivity and interference immunity. The lowest detectable concentration is 20 μM with the naked eye and 2.16 μM for UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. A good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9931) between the absorption intensity ratio and K+ concentration (0–100 μM) indicates that this colorimetric probe can be used to detect K+. The method was also applied for quantitative analysis of K+ in real urine samples with recovery between 116 and 120%.