Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
Author Spotlight: Tracking Electrochemistry on Single Nanoparticles with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy and Microscopy
Published on: May 12, 2023
Single-atom sites on perovskite chips for record-high sensitivity and quantification in SERS
Ran Feng1, Qing Miao2, Xiang Zhang3
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Microstructure and Properties of Solids, Institute of Microstructure and Property of Advanced Materials, Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124 China.
A novel single-atom site strategy on a chip enhances surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for sensitive quantification of biomolecules. This plasmonic-free approach offers a portable, low-cost solution for point-of-care diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is crucial for detecting biomolecules but faces challenges in sensitive quantification.
- Existing methods often lack the sensitivity and quantitative accuracy required for practical applications, especially in portable settings.
- Developing noble-metal-free SERS substrates is essential for cost-effective and widespread use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel noble-metal-free SERS strategy for sensitive and quantitative detection of biomolecules.
- To investigate the mechanism behind the enhanced SERS response using single-atom sites.
- To demonstrate the potential of this technology for portable and point-of-care diagnostic applications.
Main Methods:
- A single-atom site on a chip strategy was employed, modifying tungsten atom oxide on a lead halide perovskite.
- The SERS quantification capabilities were tested using analytes like rhodamine, tyrosine, and cytosine.
- Experimental tests and theoretical simulations were conducted to elucidate the enhancement mechanism.
Main Results:
- The single-atom site on a chip strategy achieved quantitative linear SERS responses for rhodamine, tyrosine, and cytosine across various concentration ranges.
- Record-high enhancement factors were observed for a plasmonic-free semiconductor material.
- The mechanism involves trapping photoinduced electrons and enhancing charge transfer to analytes via the single-atom site.
Conclusions:
- The developed noble-metal-free single-atom site strategy provides sensitive and quantitative SERS detection.
- This approach offers a promising platform for label-free, portable Raman detection of various biomolecules.
- The technology has significant potential for low-cost, precise point-of-care and in-vitro diagnostic applications.
