Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the extract of spent coffee used for paper-based hydrogen peroxide sensing device

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has attracted considerable attention for use as a disinfectant ingredient for various applications over the decades. The use of H2O2 within the safety regulations can avoid its toxicity to human health and the environment. In this study, a paper-based sensor containing green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (P-AgNPs) was developed for use in a smartphone in the determination of the H2O2 concentration. In the synthesis process, an extract of spent coffee grounds was used as a bioreducing agent. The effects of reaction time and silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentration on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were investigated. The optimum conditions for the preparation of P-AgNPs were determined to be 100 mM AgNO3 (P-AgNPs-100) and 15 h synthesis time. The P-AgNPs-100 sensor exhibited high sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.26 mM H2O2, which might be suitable for the detection of H2O2-based household and beverage sanitizers. The H2O2 detection capability of P-AgNPs-100 was comparable to that of a commercial strip sensor. Furthermore, P-AgNPs-100 had a detection efficiency of more than 95% after long-term storage for 100 days.