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Smart supramolecular sensing with cucurbit[n]urils: probing hydrogen bonding with SERS
Bart de Nijs1, Marlous Kamp, Istvan Szabó
1NanoPhotonics Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. bd355@cam.ac.uk jjb12@cam.ac.uk.
Faraday Discussions
|September 22, 2017
Summary
This study demonstrates a new method using gold nanoparticles and cucurbituril molecules to detect low methanol concentrations in water. The technology shows higher affinity for methanol than ethanol, aiding alcohol quality control.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are widely used in sensing applications.
- Cucurbiturils (CB[n]) are macrocyclic hosts with unique binding properties.
- Distinguishing between ethanol and methanol is crucial in various industries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive method for detecting methanol in aqueous solutions.
- To investigate the competitive binding of methanol and ethanol using Au NP nano-aggregates.
- To understand the role of cucurbituril molecules in the sensing mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Formation of rigid gap nano-aggregates of Au nanoparticles using cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) molecules.
- Utilizing Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) to monitor molecular interactions.
- Investigating competitive binding of ethanol and methanol in water.
Main Results:
- Detection of methanol down to 0.1% in water with high sensitivity.
- Demonstrated a tenfold higher affinity for methanol compared to ethanol.
- Observed strong interaction effects in SERS peaks attributed to water complexes and CB[n] vicinity.
Conclusions:
- CB[n]-templated Au NP nano-aggregates offer a promising platform for selective methanol detection.
- The developed method is suitable for quality control in alcohol production.
- Hydrogen bonding interactions play a significant role in the observed sensing phenomena.