Chiao-Jung Su1,Yu-Ling Chang1,Dehui Wan1
National Tsing Hua University1
Chiao-Jung Su1,Yu-Ling Chang1,Dehui Wan1
National Tsing Hua University1
The inherent quasi-3D structure and the concentration effect of the hydrophobic paper led to a significant enhancement in the Raman scattering.<sup>[1]</sup> On the other hand, size-tunable aluminum nanoparticles (AlNPs) have been suggested as a remarkably low-cost alternative plasmonic material due to its adjustable localized surface plasmon resonance band from UV-visible to near-infrared (NIR) regions.<sup>[2]</sup><br/>Herein, we combine the merits of the AlNPs and hydrophobic paper to introduce a sensitive but cost-effective Al paper-based SERS approach. Initially, AlNPs in different diameters were synthesized. Then, the 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) optical simulation was applied to investigate the optimal size and density of the AlNPs, which contribute to the strongest electric field intensity and the desired electric field distribution. Next, a 785 nm portable Raman spectrometer was chosen to test out the possibility of the Al paper-based SERS approach as an on-site detection platform. Namely, the Al paper-based SERS approach was utilized to identify samples made of edible and industrial dyes and a candy blended with an illegal color additive. Apparently, the AlNPs paper-based SERS approach has proven its effectiveness as an on-site detection tool by rapidly distinguishing different kinds of colorants in all samples.<br/>In a nutshell, through decorating the AlNPs on hydrophobic paper, we established a novel on-site SERS sensing platform with excellent sensitivity and notably low cost, which is hard to achieve in other conventional materials.<br/><b>Reference:</b><br/>1. Lee, M., et al., <i>Subnanomolar Sensitivity of Filter Paper-Based SERS Sensor for Pesticide Detection by Hydrophobicity Change of Paper Surface.</i> ACS Sensors, 2018. <b>3</b>(1): p. 151-159.<br/>2. Renard, D., et al., <i>Polydopamine-Stabilized Aluminum Nanocrystals: Aqueous Stability and Benzo[a]pyrene Detection.</i> ACS Nano, 2019. <b>13</b>(3): p. 3117-3124.