Silver Nanoparticle on Alumina Films Tailored for Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Detection of Pesticides

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely investigated for their ability to enable surface-enhanced Raman scattering for chemical sensing. Despite many advantages of silver over other plasmonic metals, the unwanted reactivity of silver makes long-term substrate stability and quantitative reproducibility in sensing challenging. AgNPs supported on alumina display robust stability against oxidation while remaining labile to photochemical shape control methods. These easily reproduced films can be tailored to absorb light across the visible spectrum depending on user needs and show long-term performance as SERS sensors. Optimization parameters are explored, and these films are showcased as promising chemical sensors for the pesticide thiram with a 96 ppb (m/v) detection limit.

Automated summary

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely studied for their ability to enhance Raman scattering for chemical sensing. However, the reactivity of silver poses challenges to long-term stability and quantitative reproducibility. AgNPs supported on alumina show robust stability against oxidation and can be manipulated using photochemical methods. These films can be tailored to absorb light in the visible spectrum and exhibit long-term performance as SERS sensors. Optimization parameters are explored, and the films are demonstrated as promising chemical sensors for thiram, with a detection limit of 96 ppb (m/v).