Hazards associated with the use of electrochemically prepared substrates in the qualitative analysis of aqueous solutions by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Adsorption and Displacement of Melamine at the Ag/Electrolyte Interface Probed by Surface-Enhanced Raman Microprobe Spectroscopy

“…Its reactions with formaldehyde to give methylol derivatives and ultimately thermosetting resins have been studied intensively, and melamine itself has therefore become a product of large-scale manufacture and use. Spectroscopic studies based on optical absorption, 13 C NMR, or vibrational spectroscopies (IR, FT-IR, Raman, and FT-Raman) can provide insight into the molecular structure of these melamine-based species. 1 The complexity of the melamine/ formaldehyde systems makes direct use of the spectroscopic techniques difficult.…”

“…The extremely different spectral behavior of silver SERS substrates roughened in situ or ex situ has been shown clearly. 13 Alternatively, surfactants may be used to remove the analyte from the electrode surface. 14 In the current study, cetylpyridinium chloride (C 16 H 33 N + C 5 H 5 Cl -, CPC) is used.…”

“…A problem in this “potential cleaning procedure” can be the “hard” cathodic step at −2.0 V and the following roughening ORC in the presence of an analyte (in situ roughening). The extremely different spectral behavior of silver SERS substrates roughened in situ or ex situ has been shown clearly . Alternatively, surfactants may be used to remove the analyte from the electrode surface .…”

“…In order to utilize micro-SERS spectra to study surfactant/melamine desorption processes on charged surfaces, we need additional information on the assignments for the surfactant molecule CPC. The assignments , are based on extensive comparisons with vibrational spectra of long chain molecules (polymers) and surfactants with different head groups. Figure a shows the micro-Raman spectrum of a microparticle of CPC in the low-wavenumber region, and Figure b presents the CH region.…”

Fourier-transform surface enhanced Raman scattering studies of molecular self-assembly of disulfides on metals and the application in adhesion promotion

“…Observation of SERS using near infrared at 1064 nm has been demonstrated recently, using new-generation Fourier transform Raman spectrometers. Although only a few observations by this technique have been published [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19], a number of experimental advantages are already apparent. These include the speed of data acquisition, the ease of sample alignment when using the backscattering geometry, and larger enhancement factor than that obtained when in the visible spectral region [11,19].…”