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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Author Spotlight: Development and Application of SERS Flexible Substrates Using Synthesized AgNPs
Published on: November 17, 2023
MXene-supported AgNPs in smart hydrogels: Shrink-enabled amplification for high-performance multi-channel SERS
Jiawei Li1, Wei Lai1, Mingsheng Tan2
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Energy Storage and Power Battery, School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Hubei University of Automotive Technology, Shiyan, 442002, PR China.
Background:
With the advancement of technology and growing health concerns, high sensitivity, flexibility, and multi-channel detection have become crucial indicators for wearable intelligent sensors.
Results:
Inspired by the volume contraction of hydrogels upon ethanol exposure, a strategy combining MXene with in situ reduction of silver nanoparticles has been used to construct a three-dimensional, high-sensitivity SERS substrate (MX-SNP PAH-based SERS substrate). This design not only enriches target molecules but also enables dual enhancement of charge transfer and electromagnetic enhancement by inducing inter-particle spacing between silver nanoparticles and V2CTx. The developed SERS substrate allows for the quantitative analysis of pesticide molecules (thiram, 1 nM), small molecules such as p-mercaptobenzoic acid (pMBA, 1 nM), and microplastics like polystyrene (PS, 6.25 μg mL-1). Additionally, by analyzing the sweat SERS spectra, it was possible to successfully quantify blood glucose levels (4.5 mM).
Significance:
This innovative MX-SNP PAH-based SERS substrate design provides valuable insights for the development of flexible wearable sensors, with significant application potential in food safety, water quality analysis, and health monitoring.
