Self-energized organic-inorganic hybrid composite for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

In this study, we integrate plasmonic metal nanomaterials with a piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer and lithium niobate (LiNbO 3 ) based composite to form an all-solid-state flexible self-energized sensor. We demonstrate that following the application of a load, the film enhances the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) signal of an analyte molecule up to 14 times. The piezoelectric β-phase of PVDF in the film is optimized through the introduction of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and post-fabrication UV irradiation annealing. Additionally, the SERS signal enhancement can be further increased by the application of in situ UV light irradiation of the sample, resulting in the generation of photoexcited electrons from LiNbO 3 microparticles introduced into the composite. Both the application of a mechanical displacement and the UV light-induced charge generation result in an improved charge transfer between the film and an analyte molecule. The piezoelectric PVDF/LiNbO 3 film has been shown to be a suitable SERS platform for the detection of important biological molecules, demonstrating the potential of the substrate for fast on-site detection applications.

Flexible SERS substrates for hazardous materials detection: recent advances

“…Recently flexible polymer-based (PDMS 108 , PMMA 109 , PET 110 , PVDF 111,112 etc.) SERS substrates have gained interest from various research groups.…”

Recent Advances and Perspective in Electrically Regulated Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

“…James H. Rice et al developed a PVDF/LiNbO3 piezoelectric film. [ 40 ] It is believed that the charge generated by the applied mechanical stress can be transferred to the analyte molecules, resulting in an enhanced CM mechanism.…”

Improved Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Performance of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene Embedded in PVDF Film Enabled by Photoinduction and Electric Field Modulation

“…It has been shown that adding reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to PVDF polymer boosts the β-phase of piezoelectricity. 25 Li et al developed a self-energized E-SERS substrate using PVDF with reduced graphene oxide along with silver nanowires (Ag NWs). 26 They observed modulation of the signal up to 10 times for probe molecules via electrical energy transfer to plasmonic materials.…”

“…Piezoelectric polymers filled with 2D material can also be used to strengthen the SERS signal by modifying the electroactive polar phase. It has been shown that adding reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to PVDF polymer boosts the β-phase of piezoelectricity . Li et al developed a self-energized E-SERS substrate using PVDF with reduced graphene oxide along with silver nanowires (Ag NWs) .…”