What is Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)?

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful analytical tool used in the detection of compounds.

• This technology is particularly beneficial for swiftly identifying harmful pollutants in various sources such as water, food, and the environment.

How Does Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Work?

• To expedite the detection of industrial pollutants, a unique SERS substrate has been developed. This substrate utilizes the unique structure of molybdenum trioxide, which resembles the shape of sea urchins.
• The sea urchin-like structure, consisting of multiple one-dimensional (1D) spikes, provides a large surface area for the adsorption of analytes and hotspots for amplifying Raman signals.
• The sensitive SERS substrate is created using a simple chemical bath deposition method. This method involves growing sea urchins directly on glass substrates using a solution of ammonium heptamolybdate and nitric acid at 90 °C.

Why is Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Important?

• Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) has become a vital analytical method in the detection of compounds.
• When molecules are near noble metal nanoparticles such as gold, silver, and platinum, their Raman signals can greatly increase. This can assist in detecting minute quantities of analyte molecules.
• Semiconductor oxides, as materials for the production of SERS substrates, have shown great potential.