In this study, we introduce a synergistic approach to
enhance the
surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal in two-dimensional
(2D) MXene through photo-irradiation and electric field modulation.
Our methodology involves the integration of 2D Ti3C2T
x
MXene with piezoelectric polyvinylidene
fluoride (PVDF) polymer, resulting in the creation of a free-standing,
flexible composite film. On this composite film, a thin layer of Au
was deposited. Our flexible substrate was able to sense methylene
blue (MB), crystal violet (CV), 4-aminothiophenol (ATP), and melamine.
The SERS substrate exhibits low detection limit of 10–8 M MB with a 6.7 × 106 enhancement factor (EF). The
SERS substrate enables picomolar (pM) detection sensitivity for CV
molecules with an EF of 9.2 × 109. Furthermore, the
introduction of photo-irradiation leads to an additional ∼3.5-fold
enhancement in the SERS signal, which is attributed to the altered
work function and defects. The application of mechanical force to
the piezoelectric PVDF/Ti3C2T
x
film results in a ∼4.5-fold boost in SERS signal due
to mechanical force-induced electrical energy. The fabrication strategy
employed here for producing a flexible piezoelectric PVDF/Ti3C2T
x
film holds significant
promise for expanding the potential application of 2D MXene in rapid,
on-site sensing scenarios.