Micromachines 2018, 9(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi9020060
3D Fractals as SERS Active Platforms: Preparation and Evaluation for Gas Phase Detection of G-Nerve Agents
Marta Lafuente 1
, Erwin J. W. Berenschot 2, Roald M. Tiggelaar 2,3, Reyes Mallada 1,4, Niels R. Tas 2,*
and Maria P. Pina 1,4,*
, Erwin J. W. Berenschot 2, Roald M. Tiggelaar 2,3, Reyes Mallada 1,4, Niels R. Tas 2,*
and Maria P. Pina 1,4,*
1
Nanoscience Institute of Aragon, Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Edif I+D+i, Campus RÃo Ebro, C/Mariano Esquillor, s/n, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
2
Mesoscale Chemical Systems, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
3
MESA+ NanoLab cleanroom, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
4
Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine, CIBER-BBN, 28029 Madrid, Spain
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 15 December 2017 / Revised: 26 January 2018 / Accepted: 28 January 2018 / Published: 31 January 2018
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 3rd International Conference on Microfluidic Handling Systems)
Abstract
One of the main limitations of the technique surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for chemical detection relies on the homogeneity, reproducibility and reusability of the substrates. In this work, SERS active platforms based on 3D-fractal microstructures is developed by combining corner lithography and anisotropic wet etching of silicon, to extend the SERS-active area into 3D, with electrostatically driven Au@citrate nanoparticles (NPs) assembly, to ensure homogeneous coating of SERS active NPs over the entire microstructured platforms. Strong SERS intensities are achieved using 3D-fractal structures compared to 2D-planar structures; leading to SERS enhancement factors for R6G superior than those merely predicted by the enlarged area effect. The SERS performance of Au monolayer-over-mirror configuration is demonstrated for the label-free real-time gas phase detection of 1.2 ppmV of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a common surrogate of G-nerve agents. Thanks to the hot spot accumulation on the corners and tips of the 3D-fractal microstructures, the main vibrational modes of DMMP are clearly identified underlying the spectral selectivity of the SERS technique. The Raman acquisition conditions for SERS detection in gas phase have to be carefully chosen to avoid photo-thermal effects on the irradiated area. View Full-TextKeywords:
SERS; 3D-fractal structures; corner lithography; Au@citrate; gas sensing; nerve agents; ppm detection
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Lafuente, M.; Berenschot, E.J.W.; Tiggelaar, R.M.; Mallada, R.; Tas, N.R.; Pina, M.P. 3D Fractals as SERS Active Platforms: Preparation and Evaluation for Gas Phase Detection of G-Nerve Agents. Micromachines 2018, 9, 60.
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