Most cited article - PubMed ID 20237566
This study investigates the chemical and structural modifications of vertically aligned tungsten disulfide-tungsten trioxide (WS2-WO3) nanosheets decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag(NPs)) under nitrogen plasma conditions. The synthesized vertically aligned WS2-WO3 nanosheets were functionalized through direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering, forming silver-decorated samples. Structural changes, as well as the size and distribution of Ag(NPs), were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical state analysis was conducted via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), while Raman spectroscopy was employed to investigate vibrational modes. The findings confirmed the successful decoration of Ag(NPs) and identified unexpected compound transformations that were dependent on the duration of functionalization. The synthesized and functionalized samples were evaluated for their sensing capabilities towards Rhodamine B (RhB) through surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS). This study discusses the impact of substrate morphology and the shape and size of nanoparticles on the enhancement of SERRS mechanisms, achieving an enhancement factor (EF) of approximately 1.6 × 106 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 10-9 M.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) have opened a variety of exciting research fields. However, although a vast number of applications have been proposed since the two techniques were first reported, none has been applied to real practical use. This calls for an update in the recent fundamental and application studies of SERS and TERS. Thus, the goals and scope of this review are to report new directions and perspectives of SERS and TERS, mainly from the viewpoint of combining their mechanism and application studies. Regarding the recent progress in SERS and TERS, this review discusses four main topics: (1) nanometer to subnanometer plasmonic hotspots for SERS; (2) Ångström resolved TERS; (3) chemical mechanisms, i.e., charge-transfer mechanism of SERS and semiconductor-enhanced Raman scattering; and (4) the creation of a strong bridge between the mechanism studies and applications.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the COVID-19 pandemic that has been spreading around the world since December 2019. More than 10 million affected cases and more than half a million deaths have been reported so far, while no vaccine is yet available as a treatment. Considering the global healthcare urgency, several techniques, including whole genome sequencing and computed tomography imaging have been employed for diagnosing infected people. Considerable efforts are also directed at detecting and preventing different modes of community transmission. Among them is the rapid detection of virus presence on different surfaces with which people may come in contact. Detection based on non-contact optical techniques is very helpful in managing the spread of the virus, and to aid in the disinfection of surfaces. Nanomaterial-based methods are proven suitable for rapid detection. Given the immense need for science led innovative solutions, this manuscript critically reviews recent literature to specifically illustrate nano-engineered effective and rapid solutions. In addition, all the different techniques are critically analyzed, compared, and contrasted to identify the most promising methods. Moreover, promising research ideas for high accuracy of detection in trace concentrations, via color change and light-sensitive nanostructures, to assist fingerprint techniques (to identify the virus at the contact surface of the gas and solid phase) are also presented.
- Keywords
- COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, nanoparticles, nanotechnology, point-of-use, rapid detection of virus,
- MeSH
- Betacoronavirus genetics MeSH
- COVID-19 MeSH
- Genome, Viral genetics MeSH
- Coronavirus Infections diagnosis MeSH
- Metal Nanoparticles chemistry MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Nanotechnology methods MeSH
- Pandemics MeSH
- Metal-Organic Frameworks chemistry MeSH
- RNA, Viral genetics MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- Whole Genome Sequencing MeSH
- Pneumonia, Viral diagnosis MeSH
- Point-of-Care Systems * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Metal-Organic Frameworks MeSH
- RNA, Viral MeSH
Experimental results obtained in different laboratories world-wide by researchers using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can differ significantly. We, an international team of scientists with long-standing expertise in SERS, address this issue from our perspective by presenting considerations on reliable and quantitative SERS. The central idea of this joint effort is to highlight key parameters and pitfalls that are often encountered in the literature. To that end, we provide here a series of recommendations on: a) the characterization of solid and colloidal SERS substrates by correlative electron and optical microscopy and spectroscopy, b) on the determination of the SERS enhancement factor (EF), including suitable Raman reporter/probe molecules, and finally on c) good analytical practice. We hope that both newcomers and specialists will benefit from these recommendations to increase the inter-laboratory comparability of experimental SERS results and further establish SERS as an analytical tool.
- Keywords
- Raman spectroscopy, SERS, enhancement factor, quantitative analysis,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH