Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS): New low-cost substrates can enhance sensitivity of analytical tools for detecting toxic pollutant

Source: The post is based on the article “New low-cost substrates can enhance sensitivity of analytical tools for detecting toxic pollutant” published in PIB on 11th April 2023

What is the News?

Scientists have developed a new low-cost substrate that can increase the sensitivity of Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS).

What is Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)?

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a vital analytical and sensing tool for detecting molecules. It can aid rapid detection of toxic pollutants present in water, food, etc.

When molecules are near the noble metal nanoparticles of gold, silver, platinum, etc, their Raman signals will substantially increase, which can help detect trace amounts of analyte molecules. 

However, as noble metals are expensive, have poor uniformity, and cannot be reused, there is a quest for alternative SERS active substrates involving non-noble metals.

What have the researchers developed?

Researchers have developed an efficient SERS substrate based on the unique sea urchin morphology of molybdenum trioxide for the rapid detection of industrial pollutants.

The substrate will help in the detection of toxic dyes and chemicals.