Highly sensitive, reproducible, and stable core-shell MoN SERS substrate synthesized via sacrificial template method.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Molybdenum nitride (MoN) exhibits excellent conductivity, surface plasmon resonance, and chemical stability, making it suitable for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications.
• Core-shell structures offer advantageous properties like high surface area and load-bearing capacity, enhancing their utility in SERS.
• Transition metal nitrides are increasingly explored as alternatives to precious metals for SERS substrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize core-shell molybdenum nitride (MoN) microspheres.
• To investigate the SERS performance of the synthesized MoN microspheres.
• To evaluate the stability and detection limits of MoN-based SERS substrates.

Main Methods:

• Sacrificial template method for synthesizing core-shell MoO3 precursor.
• Nitriding process to convert MoO3 to MoN.
• Characterization of MoN microspheres for localized surface plasmon resonance and SERS activity.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized core-shell MoN microspheres.
• Demonstrated strong localized surface plasmon resonance and SERS effects with MoN nanospheres.
• Achieved high detection limits down to 10^-10 M for targeted compounds.
• Exhibited excellent resistance to acid-base corrosion, oxidation, and radiation.

Conclusions:

• Core-shell MoN microspheres are effective non-precious metal SERS substrates.
• The synthesized MoN nanospheres provide high sensitivity and stability for chemical detection.
• MoN substrates are suitable for applications in demanding environments.