Abstract
In this study, two new quasi-three-dimensional Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrates, namely porous Ag and Ag-NiO nanofibrous mats, were prepared using a simple, electrospinning-calcination, two-step synthetic process. AgNO3/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and AgNO3/Ni(NO3)2/PVP composites serving as precursors were electrospun to form corresponding precursory nanofibers. Porous Ag and Ag-NiO nanofibers were successfully obtained after a 3-h calcination at 500 °C under air atmosphere, and analyzed using various material characterization techniques. Synthesized, quasi-three-dimensional porous Ag and Ag-NiO nanofibrous mats were applied as SERS substrates, to measure the model compound Rhodamine 6G (R6G), and investigate the corresponding signal enhancement. Furthermore, porous Ag and Ag-NiO nanofibrous mats were employed as SERS substrates for melamine and methyl parathion respectively. Sensitive detection of melamine and methyl parathion was achieved, indicating their feasibility as an active SERS sensing platform, and potential for food safety and environmental monitoring. All the results suggest that the electrospinning-calcination, two-step method offers a new, low cost, high performance solution in the preparation of SERS substrates.
Highlights
Raman spectroscopy is an accurate and attractive molecule identification and monitoring method.It probes the chemical contents through molecular vibration, providing a unique, specific chemical or vibration “finger-print” for molecules [1,2,3,4]
Two model compounds, methyl parathion and melamine (Figure 1), were used to validate the applicability of the as-fabricated Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) sensing materials in food safety and environmental monitoring. These results suggest that the electrospinning-calcination, two-step method offers a new, low cost, high performance route in the preparation of SERS substrates
Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and melamine solutions with various concentrations were obtained by diluting corresponding stock solutions
Summary
Raman spectroscopy is an accurate and attractive molecule identification and monitoring method. The synthesized porous Ag displayed a rough, large, specific surface area, while Ag-NiO nanofibrous mat demonstrated a uniform structure and ahomogenous distribution of Ag nanophase. These two materials hold great potential in serving as novel SERS substrates for trace chemical detection. Two model compounds, methyl parathion (an organophosphorus pesticide) and melamine (an illegal food additive) (Figure 1), were used to validate the applicability of the as-fabricated SERS sensing materials in food safety and environmental monitoring These results suggest that the electrospinning-calcination, two-step method offers a new, low cost, high performance route in the preparation of SERS substrates.
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