Low-cost and flexible paper-based plasmonic nanostructure for a highly sensitive SERS substrate.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Noble-metal-based plasmon-enhanced substrates are crucial for detecting low-concentration analytes.
• Existing substrates often rely on 2D structures, limiting efficiency and analyte extraction.
• There is a need for more efficient, flexible, and cost-effective SERS substrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-efficiency SERS substrate using a filter paper structure.
• To enhance analyte extraction and detection capabilities through paper's flexibility.
• To create a simple, cost-effective SERS substrate for field applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a plasmonic paper substrate via centrifugation of alloy nanoparticles onto filter paper.
• Optimization of nanoparticle deposition by adjusting centrifugal force and time.
• Enhancement of SERS performance by tuning the plasmon resonance peak.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high enhancement factor of 1.55×10⁷.
• Demonstrated high detection uniformity and a low detection limit of 10^-11 M for rhodamine 6G.
• Successfully applied the substrate for pesticide detection, with a detection limit of 10^-6 M for thiram.

Conclusions:

• The developed paper-based SERS substrate offers superior detection performance.
• Its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility make it suitable for rapid field detection.
• This technology holds significant potential for improving food and environmental safety.