Recent advances in nanostructured substrates for surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Spectroscopy
• Surface Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conventional infrared absorption spectroscopy lacks sensitivity for trace analysis.
• Surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy offers a highly sensitive alternative.
• SEIRA leverages nanostructured substrates to amplify vibrational signals of adsorbed molecules.

Approach:

• This review summarizes recent advances in nanostructured substrates for SEIRA spectroscopy.
• It details the developing history and widely accepted SEIRA mechanisms.
• Representative SEIRA-active substrates, their characteristics, and preparation methods are introduced.

Key Points:

• SEIRA spectroscopy provides high sensitivity, wide adaptability, and convenient operation.
• It enables qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace gases, biomolecules, and polymers.
• Nanostructured substrates are crucial for signal amplification in SEIRA.

Conclusions:

• Recent progress in nanostructured substrates has significantly advanced SEIRA spectroscopy.
• Further research into substrate design and preparation is needed.
• SEIRA spectroscopy holds great promise for sensitive molecular detection and analysis.