Rapid recognition of isomers of monochlorobiphenyls at trace levels by surface-enhanced Raman scattering using Ag nanorods as a substrate

Abstract

Isomers and homologues of organic pollutants are hard to distinguish-especially in trace amounts-due to the similarities in their physical and chemical properties. We report here that by identifying the Raman characteristics of isomers of monochlorobiphenyls, these compounds can be recognized, even at trace levels, by using the surface-enhance Raman scattering method with silver nanorods as a substrate. When dissolved in acetone, 2-, 3-, and 4-chlorobiphenyls were detected at a concentration of 10 -8 mol/L, at which their characteristic Raman peaks were visible. This study may provide a fast, simple, and sensitive method for the detection and recognition of organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls.

A positively charged silver nanowire membrane for rapid on-site swabbing extraction and detection of trace inorganic explosives using a portable Raman spectrometer

“…Moreover, the development of portable Raman spectrometers expands its application to on-site analysis, due to the high cost-effectiveness, rapid analytical speed, and non-destructive detection [23,24]. SERS is emerging as a powerful technique for the trace-level detection of various biological and chemical species, and it can have a significant impact on life science, environmental monitoring, and homeland security [25][26][27][28]. SERS can be mainly attributed to electromagnetic (EM) and chemical enhancement effects [29].…”

Core–shell superparamagnetic Fe3O4@β-CD composites for host–guest adsorption of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

“…Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a class of conspicuous persistent organic pollutants (POPs), have been widely used as industrial oil additives, coolants and some consumer products [1]. They were found to be high toxic to humans through the food chain accumulation and mutagenic by interrupting hormones in the body [2,3].…”

Rapid Detection and Recognition of Organic Pollutants at Trace Levels by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

“…In summary, based on the understanding of Raman characteristics of these compounds, one can detect and recognize the homologues of chlorobiphenyls, even at the trace amount, by using the SERS technique with Ag nanorods as substrates. [47] …”