Hybrid Wetting Surface with Plasmonic Alloy Nanocomposites for Sensitive SERS Detection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) requires specialized substrates for sensitive analyte detection.
• Existing SERS substrates often face limitations in terms of cost, stability, and large-area fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel hybrid wetting surface (HWS) incorporating Au/Ag alloy nanocomposites for advanced SERS applications.
• To achieve rapid, cost-effective, stable, and highly sensitive SERS detection using the fabricated HWS.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of HWS using electrospinning, plasma etching, and photomask-assisted sputtering.
• Characterization of the HWS for plasmonic properties and surface morphology.
• Evaluation of SERS performance, including signal enhancement, reproducibility, uniformity, and thermal stability.

Main Results:

• The HWS exhibited high-density 'hot spots' and a rough surface, significantly enhancing the electromagnetic field.
• Condensation effects on the HWS further concentrated target analytes, boosting SERS signal intensity.
• SERS signals were enhanced by approximately four orders of magnitude compared to conventional SERS substrates.
• The HWS demonstrated excellent reproducibility, uniformity, thermal performance, reliability, and portability.

Conclusions:

• The developed HWS with Au/Ag alloy nanocomposites is a promising platform for rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive SERS applications.
• The unique properties of HWS enable significant signal amplification and improved analyte detection.
• This smart surface holds great potential for on-site testing and advanced sensor-based applications.