SERS Gas Sensors Based on Multiple Polymer Films with High Design Flexibility for Gas Recognition

Abstract

The Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technique is utilized to fabricate sensors for gas detection due to its rapid detection speed and high sensitivity. However, gases with similar molecular structures are difficult to directly discriminate using SERS gas sensors because there are characteristic peak overlaps in the Raman spectra. Here, we proposed a multiple SERS gas sensor matrix via a spin-coating functional polymer to enhance the gas recognition capability. Poly (acrylic acid) (PAA), Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were employed to fabricate the polymer film. The high design flexibility of the two-layer film was realized by the layer-by-layer method with 2 one-layer films. The SERS gas sensor coated by different polymer films showed a distinct affinity to target gases. The principle component analysis (PCA) algorithm was used for the further clustering of gas molecules. Three target gases, phenethyl alcohol, acetophenone and anethole, were perfectly discriminated, as the characteristic variables in the response matrix constructed by the combination of gas responses obtained 3 one-layer and 3 two-layer film-coated sensors. This research provides a new SERS sensing approach for recognizing gases with similar molecular structures.

The emergence and advancement of Tsuji–Trost reaction triggered carbon monoxide recognition and bioimaging

“…SERS (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) is yet another potential technique used for CO recognition. 59,60 This is an analytical technique that magnifies the vibrational fingerprints of various analytes having plasmonic structures. 60 In one such report, palladacycles containing amino groups (PC) were developed and accumulated on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via amine–gold linkages for constructing a SERS nanosensor (AuNP/PC).…”

“…59,60 This is an analytical technique that magnifies the vibrational fingerprints of various analytes having plasmonic structures. 60 In one such report, palladacycles containing amino groups (PC) were developed and accumulated on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via amine–gold linkages for constructing a SERS nanosensor (AuNP/PC). 59 Binding of CO to the nanosensors led to palladacycle carbonylation resulting in a corresponding change in the SERS nanosensors.…”

“…56 These sensors can be tuned to selectively sense CO and can have suitable sensitivity to detect the physiological concentration of CO. 15,56,58 SERS (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) is yet another potential technique used for CO recognition. 59,60 This is an analytical technique that magnifies the vibrational fingerprints of various analytes having plasmonic structures. 60 In one such report, palladacycles containing amino groups (PC) were developed and accumulated on the surface of gold nano-Scheme 1 Schematic representation of the endogenous production of CO and its significance.…”

Prospects of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Biomarker Monitoring toward Precision Medicine

“… 225 Other approaches implemented more sophisticated methods, intended to enhance the adsorption of gas molecules onto solid SERS substrates, e.g., by covering the substrates with polymer layers carrying different functionalities or involving microfluidic devices. 226 , 227 More complex systems comprising metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), such as ZIF-8 to coat gold particles, are of particular interest. Characteristic gaseous aldehydes excreted by lung cancer patients could be screened thanks to their enhanced accumulation on SERS-active surfaces by the ZIF-8 layer ( Figure 7 a).…”

Capillary Tube Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate and High-Sensitivity Molecule Detection

“…In particular, such a highly sensitive Raman spectroscopy has potential in the field of security technology. Food safety check, − explosive detection, , toxic gas detection, detection of environmental water pollution, , cancer and disease detection, and screening in living cell and tissues, − as well as drag and medicine analysis − are the typical applications of SERS spectroscopy.…”