Ultrasensitive SERS detection of Rhodamine 6G using a silver enriched MOF-derived CuFe₂O₄ microcubes substrate

Recently, spinel ferrites have attracted great attention as a SERS-active substrate for the detection of organic contaminants. In this paper, we report the synthesis of silver enriched MOF-derived CuFe₂O₄ (Ag-CFO) composite using a simple MOF template process. The as-synthesized Ag-CFO exhibits an excellent sensitivity towards the detection of Rhodamine 6G dye at the lowest concentration of 10^-14 M. Using noble metal nanoparticles in conjunction with CuFe₂O₄ provides an excellent SERS performance based on the synergistic effect resulting from uniform Ag distribution on the cubic morphology leading to the high electromagnetic effect and chemical mechanism of CuFe₂O₄. Ag-CFO microcubes also demonstrated remarkable recyclability, reproducibility, and chemical stability. Moreover, the substrate showed good sensitivity when it was examined in tap and river water for practical applications. The results confirm that Ag-CFO microcubes substrate has great potential as a reusable material for the rapid detection of environmental pollutants.