Micellar <scp>RhoPEG</scp> as a hydrophilic sensor for gold ion detection

Abstract Rhodamine‐functionalized polyethylene glycol ( RhoPEG ) was synthesized as a hydrophilic micellar chemosensor for selective detection of heavy metal ions, especially Au 3+ . PEG improved the water solubility of hydrophobic rhodamine, enabling efficient function in aqueous media. Characterization by TGA, NMR, IR, SEM, and XRD confirmed structural integrity. Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that the RhoPEG sensors, particularly RhoPEG400 , exhibited exceptional sensitivity and selectivity toward Au 3+ ions. Upon interaction with Au 3+ , there was a significant increase in fluorescence intensity, along with a visible color change to pink, signaling successful detection. These results highlighted the potential of RhoPEG micellar sensors for biological and environmental heavy metal detection.