Lamellar hafnium ditelluride as an ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering platform for label-free detection of uric acid

The development of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides has been in a rapid growth phase for the utilization in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis. Here, we report a promising 2D transition metal tellurides (TMTs) material, hafnium ditelluride (HfTe2), as an ultrasensitive platform for Raman identification of trace molecules, which demonstrates extraordinary SERS activity in sensitivity, uniformity, and reproducibility. The highest Raman enhancement factor of 2.32 x 10(6) is attained for a rhodamine 6G molecule through the highly efficient charge transfer process at the interface between the HfTe2 layered structure and the adsorbed molecules. At the same time, we provide an effective route for large-scale preparation of SERS substrates in practical applications via a facile stripping strategy. Further application of the nanosheets for reliable, rapid, and label-free SERS fingerprint analysis of uric acid molecules, one of the biomarkers associated with gout disease, is performed, which indicates arresting SERS signals with the limits of detection as low as 0.1 mmol/L. The study based on this type of 2D SERS substrate not only reveals the feasibility of applying TMTs to SERS analysis, but also paves the way for nanodiagnostics, especially early marker detection. (C) 2021 Chinese Laser Press

Automated summary

This study reports HfTe2 as a promising ultra-sensitive platform for Raman identification of trace molecules, demonstrating exceptional SERS activity in terms of sensitivity, uniformity, and reproducibility. Through efficient charge transfer processes, the highest Raman enhancement factor of up to 2.32 x 10(6) for the rhodamine 6G molecule can be achieved, with potential for large-scale preparation of SERS substrates for practical applications.