Based on intrinsic molecular vibrations, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been emerged into a potential tool for sensitive identification of synthetic compounds and biomolecules, while its application highly relies on the construction of plasmonic materials. This work proposed two plasmonic materials, the nanoporous silver sheets and the metal-coated silica beads, used as effective substrates in detection of synthetic chemicals and biomolecules. The nanoporous silver sheets fabricated by redox-induced electrochemical deposition were developed for cost-effective and sensitive detection of organochlorine pesticides with excellent reusability. The metal-coated silica beads in micron size, which could be artificially positioned and optically manipulated, were develope...[ Read more ]

Based on intrinsic molecular vibrations, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been emerged into a potential tool for sensitive identification of synthetic compounds and biomolecules, while its application highly relies on the construction of plasmonic materials. This work proposed two plasmonic materials, the nanoporous silver sheets and the metal-coated silica beads, used as effective substrates in detection of synthetic chemicals and biomolecules. The nanoporous silver sheets fabricated by redox-induced electrochemical deposition were developed for cost-effective and sensitive detection of organochlorine pesticides with excellent reusability. The metal-coated silica beads in micron size, which could be artificially positioned and optically manipulated, were developed for “visible” and “controllable” Raman measurement with high efficiency. Though challenges such as reliability, reproducibility remain unresolved, it is believed that SERS has the potential to become a powerful tool in practical applications.