Detection of perchlorate using Ag/DMAH(+) SERS-active capture matrices

In this communication, the fabrication of SERS-active capture matrices for the detection of perchlorate is described. The amine groups of amine-modified magnetic microparticles were used to immobilize silver colloidal particles. Once immobilized, the silver was reacted with dimethylaminoethanethiol hydrochloride (DMAH(+)Cl(-)) to form a self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The DMAH(+) SAM exhibits reasonably good selectivity for perchlorate. It was shown that calibration curves could be generated by ratioing the perchlorate peak with a DMAH(+) peak that did not change upon interaction with the perchlorate ion. Flow experiments, using Ag/DMAH(+) capture matrices held in place by a magnet, showed instantaneous response to changes in perchlorate concentration. The use of solid phase extraction (SPE) to eliminate chloride ion interference was explored.