Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy: Current Understanding, Challenges, and Opportunities

Abstract

While surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has experienced substantial advancements since its discovery in the 1970s, it is an opportunity to celebrate achievements, consider ongoing endeavors, and anticipate the future trajectory of SERS. In this perspective, we encapsulate the latest breakthroughs in comprehending the electromagnetic enhancement mechanisms of SERS, and revisit CT mechanisms of semiconductors. We then summarize the strategies to improve sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability. After addressing experimental advancements, we comprehensively survey the progress on spectrum−structure correlation of SERS showcasing their important role in promoting SERS development. Finally, we anticipate forthcoming directions and opportunities, especially in deepening our insights into chemical or biological processes and establishing a clear spectrum−structure correlation.

A Scalable Synthesis of Ag Nanoporous Film As an Efficient SERS-Substrates for Sensitive Detection of Nanoplastics

“…Recently, research efforts have been directed toward developing analytical methods to detect smaller nanoplastic contamination in the environment. − However, sensitive detection of nanoplastics with low concentration levels in complex environmental samples remains elusive due to the smaller size fraction of particulate nanoplastics . Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful, nondestructive spectroscopy technique that offers sensitive identification of analytes with high sensitivity and the ability to identify molecular fingerprints. − To achieve high sensitivity and good signal reproducibility as well as stability of the SERS substrates, various strategies have been developed. − In particular, “hotspot” engineering in the gaps of plasmonic NPs such as Ag, Au, and Cu, − designing three-dimensional (3D) plasmonic nanostructures, , plasmonic NPs on 2D materials such as graphene, MoS 2 , Mxane, and their heterostructures have been widely studied. − Nevertheless, the fabrication of a SERS substrate with maximum “hotspots” density for a highly reproducible signal and implementation of the plasmonic NP substrates in direct detection of target analytes in complex environments is still elusive …”