Rapid and Sensitive SERS Detection of Bisphenol A Using Self-assembled Graphitic Substrates

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in plastics that can leach into consumer goods.
• Accurate detection of BPA is essential for ensuring consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
• Existing detection methods may lack the sensitivity or speed required for rapid, on-site analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for detecting bisphenol A (BPA).
• To characterize the structural properties of the self-assembled graphitic sheets used as the SERS substrate.
• To assess the sensitivity and detection limits of the SERS method for BPA in various solutions.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and characterization of self-assembled graphitic sheets using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
• Utilizing the graphitic sheets as a Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrate for bisphenol A (BPA) detection.
• Testing the SERS substrate's performance in different salt concentrations to mimic physiological and urinary conditions.

Main Results:

• Graphitic sheets exhibited structural characteristics comparable to single monolayer graphene (lattice spacing 0.24 nm, layer height 0.34 nm).
• The SERS method achieved an effective detection limit of 1 μM BPA, below the EU migration limit.
• Ultra-sensitivity was observed for BPA detection across a broad concentration range (0.025 M to 2 M) in salt solutions.

Conclusions:

• The developed graphitic sheet-based SERS platform is a viable tool for determining BPA levels in commercial polycarbonate products.
• The method demonstrates high sensitivity and a broad detection range, suitable for various analytical applications.
• This SERS detection platform enables on-site, rapid analysis of BPA with reliable results, contributing to enhanced product safety monitoring.