Faculty Sponsor(s)
Elizabeth J.O. Atkinson
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library
Subject Area
Chemistry
Description
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has gained interest recently due to its compatibility with aqueous solutions and unique spectra for all molecules. These qualities make SERS an ideal technique for sensing applications; however, an appropriate substrate is needed for effective measurements. Silica sol-gels containing silver nanoparticles may be able to act as SERS substrates, given their porosity and high surface area, and may be able to act as sensors if modified with additional small molecules. In this study, the SERS activity of silica sol-gels containing silver nanoparticles and calcein blue (CB) was investigated to determine their suitability as metal ion sensors. Sol-gels were prepared via the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) in the presence of aqueous CB and silver nanoparticles. SERS measurements of synthesized sol-gels were obtained using a home built Raman spectrometer; obtained spectra indicate that sol-gels containing silver nanoparticles are viable substrates for the SERS of CB and thus may be viable as metal ion sensors.
Recommended Citation
Carlson, Evan R., "SERS-Based Detection of Calcein Blue Using Nanoparticle-Modified Silica Sol-Gels" (2014). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 35.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2014/all/35
SERS-Based Detection of Calcein Blue Using Nanoparticle-Modified Silica Sol-Gels
Jereld R. Nicholson Library
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has gained interest recently due to its compatibility with aqueous solutions and unique spectra for all molecules. These qualities make SERS an ideal technique for sensing applications; however, an appropriate substrate is needed for effective measurements. Silica sol-gels containing silver nanoparticles may be able to act as SERS substrates, given their porosity and high surface area, and may be able to act as sensors if modified with additional small molecules. In this study, the SERS activity of silica sol-gels containing silver nanoparticles and calcein blue (CB) was investigated to determine their suitability as metal ion sensors. Sol-gels were prepared via the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) in the presence of aqueous CB and silver nanoparticles. SERS measurements of synthesized sol-gels were obtained using a home built Raman spectrometer; obtained spectra indicate that sol-gels containing silver nanoparticles are viable substrates for the SERS of CB and thus may be viable as metal ion sensors.
