SERS substrate for detection of explosives

A novel gold coated femtosecond laser nanostructured sapphire surface - an "optical nose" - based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for detecting vapours of explosive substances was investigated. Four different nitroaromatic vapours at room temperature were tested. Sensor respo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nanoscale 2012-12, Vol.4 (23), p.7419-7424
Main Authors: Chou, Alison, Jaatinen, Esa, Buividas, Ricardas, Seniutinas, Gediminas, Juodkazis, Saulius, Izake, Emad L, Fredericks, Peter M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aniline Compounds - analysis
Dinitrobenzenes - analysis
Explosive Agents - analysis
Explosives
Femtosecond
Gold - chemistry
Lasers
Nanocomposites
Nanomaterials
Nanostructure
Nanostructures - chemistry
Nitrobenzenes - analysis
Nose
Spectrum Analysis, Raman
Temperature
Vapour
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Summary:A novel gold coated femtosecond laser nanostructured sapphire surface - an "optical nose" - based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for detecting vapours of explosive substances was investigated. Four different nitroaromatic vapours at room temperature were tested. Sensor responses were unambiguous and showed response in the range of 0.05-15 μM at 25 °C. The laser fabricated substrate nanostructures produced up to an eight-fold increase in Raman signal over that observed on the unstructured portions of the substrate. This work demonstrates a simple sensing system that is compatible with commercial manufacturing practices to detect taggants in explosives which can undertake as part of an integrated security or investigative mission. Vapours of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, p -nitroaniline and nitrobenzene have been detected at room temperature by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy on a femtosecond laser fabricated substrate.
ISSN:2040-3364
2040-3372
DOI:10.1039/c2nr32409a