Abstract
Quantitative analysis of formaldehyde (HCHO, FA), especially at low levels, in various environmental media is of great importance for assessing related environmental and human health risks. A highly efficient and convenient FA detection method based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology has been developed. This SERS-based method employs a reusable and soft silver-coated TiO2 nanotube array (TNA) material, such as an SERS substrate, which can be used as both a sensing platform and a degradation platform. The Ag-coated TNA exhibits superior detection sensitivity with high reproducibility and stability compared with other SERS substrates. The detection of FA is achieved using the well-known redox reaction of FA with 4-amino-3-hydrazino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AHMT) at room temperature. The limit of detection (LOD) for FA is 1.21 × 10−7 M. In addition, the stable catalytic performance of the array allows the degradation and cleaning of the AHMT-FA products adsorbed on the array surface under ultraviolet irradiation, making this material recyclable. This SERS platform displays a real-time monitoring platform that combines the detection and degradation of FA.
Highlights
Formaldehyde (FA), a colorless molecule that is a strong irritant, is a major hazard to human health and has been identified as a carcinogen [1–3]
It can be seen that the surface of the TiO2 nanotube array (TNA) consists of a nanotube array, and the diameter of the tubes is 100–200 nm
We show a new method for FA detection based on Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)
Summary
Formaldehyde (FA), a colorless molecule that is a strong irritant, is a major hazard to human health and has been identified as a carcinogen [1–3]. Many FA detection methods have been studied, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) [6], gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) [7], and fluorescence analysis [8]. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), a fast, sensitive, and nondestructive spectroscopy tool for identifying and detecting chemical/biological species, has received considerable attention because it significantly amplifies the effect of adsorbed molecules on the target Raman signal [11–18]. We have developed an SERS method for the detection of target molecules (such as FA) on metal-semiconductor substrates. TiO2 nanotube array structures have been shown to have high light scattering efficiency, high surface cleanliness, high specific surface area, and excellent electron transport properties These structures provide greater flexibility and maneuverability than other structures for use as SERS substrates. We have prepared a new type of SERS substrate with high sensitivity and selective recognition of FA; the substrate is inexpensive, environmentally friendly and reusable
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