Recent advances in nanostructured substrates for surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy

Surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy is an emerging research field that has received much attention from the research community. Unlike conventional infrared absorption spectroscopy, SEIRA spectroscopy is a surface sensitive technique that exploits the electromagnetic properties of nanostructured substrates to amplify the vibrational signals of adsorbed molecules. Unique advantages like high sensitivity, wide adaptability, and convenient operation allow SEIRA spectroscopy to be applied in qualitative and quantitative analyses for traces of gases, biomolecules, polymers, and so on. In this review, we summarize recent advances in nanostructured substrates for SEIRA spectroscopy, including the developing history and widely accepted SEIRA mechanisms of SEIRA spectroscopy. Most importantly, characteristics and preparation methods of representative SEIRA-active substrates are introduced. In addition, current deficiencies and prospects in the field of SEIRA spectroscopy are discussed.

Automated summary

Surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy is a surface sensitive technique that uses the electromagnetic properties of nanostructured substrates to amplify the vibrational signals of adsorbed molecules. It has high sensitivity and wide adaptability, making it suitable for qualitative and quantitative analyses of trace gases, biomolecules, and polymers. This review summarizes recent advances in nanostructured substrates, introduces SEIRA mechanisms, and discusses preparation methods of representative SEIRA-active substrates, as well as current deficiencies and prospects in the field.