Raman spectroscopic detection for perchlorate at low concentrations
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer
Published on: April 12, 2017
Baohua Gu1, Jacqueline Tio, Wei Wang
1Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA. gub1@ornl.gov
Abstract:
Perchlorate (ClO4-) has recently emerged as a widespread environmental contaminant found in groundwater and surface water, and there is a great need for rapid detection and monitoring of this contaminant. In this study, we explore the use of surface-enhanced (SERS) and normal Raman spectroscopy for detecting ClO4- at low concentrations. We found that ClO4- is SERS active and, for the first time, were able to detect ClO4- at concentrations as low as 10(-6)-10(-7) M (or 10-100 microg/L) through the application of silver SERS substrates or selective sorbents such as bifunctional anion-exchange resins. The use of selective sorbents greatly enhanced the reproducibility and sensitivity of ClO4- detection by normal Raman spectroscopy. Further exploration and research may allow application of these techniques for in situ, real-time detection and monitoring of ClO4- in environmental samples at even lower concentrations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Raman Spectroscopy: Overview
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and the...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing nebulizer...
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Types of Detectors
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
Precipitation Titration: Endpoint Detection Methods
In the Volhard method, a standard excess of AgNO3 is first added to the...
Gas Chromatography: Types of Detectors-II

