Comparative study of multiple thiol-based self-assembled monolayer coatings for the SERS detection of nitrite, nitrate, and perchlorate anions in water

P. Muñoz, C. T.N. Noordam, R. J.M. Egberink, J. Huskens, S. M. Garcia-Blanco*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)
157 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Raman-based sensors represent a promising solution to enable both detection and fingerprinting of anionic pollutants in the water distribution network. Due to the weak nature of Raman scattering, a signal intensity enhancement mechanism, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), is required. Given the combination of SERS being a first layer effect and the low affinity for metallic surfaces shown by anions, functionalization of the SERS substrates using positively charged self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) is required to guarantee a strong SERS signal. In this work, the performance of three thiol-based coatings, namely, 2-mercapto-4-methyl-pyrimidine, cysteamine, and 2-dimethyl-amino-ethanethiol, is systematically compared for the detection of nitrite, nitrate, and perchlorate ions in water. For each coating, the limit of detection of those analytes is studied in combination with commercial SERS substrates. Cysteamine-coated SERS substrates are shown to provide the lowest limit of detection for the three analytes of this study. Evaluation of this coating on real drinking water samples is reported.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9345-9352
Number of pages8
JournalApplied Optics
Volume58
Issue number34
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Nov 2019

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Comparative study of multiple thiol-based self-assembled monolayer coatings for the SERS detection of nitrite, nitrate, and perchlorate anions in water'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this