Nanofunctionalization of Additively Manufactured Titanium Substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Measurements

Powder bed fusion using a laser beam (PBF-LB) is a commonly used additive manufacturing (3D printing) process for the fabrication of various parts from pure metals and their alloys. This work shows for the first time the possibility of using PBF-LB technology for the production of 3D titanium substrates (Ti 3D) for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. Thanks to the specific development of the 3D titanium surface and its nanoscale modification by the formation of TiO2 nanotubes with a diameter of similar to 80 nm by the anodic oxidation process, very efficient SERS substrates were obtained after deposition of silver nanoparticles (0.02 mg/cm(2), magnetron sputtering). The average SERS enhancement factor equal to 1.26 x 10(6) was determined for pyridine (0.05 M + 0.1 M KCl), as a model adsorbate. The estimated enhancement factor is comparable with the data in the literature, and the substrate produced in this way is characterized by the high stability and repeatability of SERS measurements. The combination of the use of a printed metal substrate with nanofunctionalization opens a new path in the design of SERS substrates for applications in analytical chemistry. Methods such as SEM scanning microscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were used to determine the morphology, structure and chemical composition of the fabricated materials.

Automated summary

This work demonstrates the use of powder bed fusion using a laser beam (PBF-LB) for the production of 3D titanium substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. By modifying the 3D titanium surface with TiO2 nanotubes and depositing silver nanoparticles, highly efficient SERS substrates with high stability and repeatability were obtained. This combination of printed metal substrates and nanofunctionalization opens new possibilities for SERS substrates in analytical chemistry applications.