A Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Sensor Pen

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is widely used as a detection method in scientific research fields. However, the method for creating SERS substrates often requires expensive equipment and involves a complex process. Additionally, preserving and effectively utilizing SERS substrates in the long term poses a challenging problem. In order to address these issues, we propose a new method for creating SERS substrates on various types of paper using a combination of a ballpoint pen and 3D printing. This method ensures a high enhancement factor and maximizes the utilization of the substrate. We achieved an enhancement factor of up to 8.2 × 108 for detecting R6G molecules, with a relative standard deviation of 11.13% for the Raman peak at 612 cm−1 of R6G, demonstrating excellent SERS sensitivity and spectral reproducibility. Furthermore, we successfully detected thiram at a concentration as low as 10−8, which is lower than both the Chinese national standard and European standard.

Keywords

• surface-enhancement Raman scattering
• chemical sensors
• nanoparticles
• three-dimensional printing