Probing the adsorption of methylimidazole at ionic liquids/Cu electrode interface by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy

Two kinds of room‐temperature ionic liquids, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide ([BMIM]Br) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroboride ([BMIM]BF₄), were used as solvent, and the adsorption of the ionic liquids themselves and of N‐methylimidazole (NMIM) were investigated by electrochemical surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) over a wide potential window. The results revealed that the cation of ionic liquid adsorbed onto Cu surface with different configurations in different potential ranges. When the potential was changed from the negative to the positive range, the orientation underwent a change from flat to vertical, and the onset potential for the orientation change was dependent on the types of anion of the ionic liquid. The ionic liquid in bulk solution exhibited a remarkable effect on the adsorption of NMIM. The electrode surface structure changed from adsorbing the ionic liquid at the negative potential to coadsorbing the ionic liquid and NMIM at relative positive potential for the [BMIM]BF₄ liquids, and formed films of NMIM at extremely positive potential. Due to the strong specific adsorption of Br⁻, the coadsorption of ionic liquid and NMIM was not observed in the system [BMIM]Br. By simulating the electrode surroundings, two surface complexes [Cu(NMIM)₄Br]Br·H₂O and [Cu(NMIM)₄](BF₄)₂ were synthesized by the electrochemical method in the corresponding ionic liquids for modeling the surface coordination chemistry of NMIM. The surface coordination configuration of NMIM and ionic liquids is proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nanostructures and nanostructured substrates for surface—enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)

We review the performance of various nanoscaled structures needed to support the propagation of the surface plasmons responsible for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and assess the potential for the optimisation of the compromise between enhancement and reproducibility that they provide, and hence their utility for relevant applications. We divide these nanostructures into those comprising structured arrays of discrete nanoparticles in two or three dimensions, and those comprising structured or regularly patterned surfaces in two or three dimensions. The most promising in terms of this compromise are those that involve the tethering of functionalised metal nanoparticles to surfaces. They are not only reproducible, but the functionalisation provides a measure of selectivity to relevant target analytes that the majority of SERS applications require. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DFT study and quantitative detection by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of ethyl carbamate

Ethyl carbamate (EC), a potentially toxic compound, is found in alcoholic beverages and fermented foodstuff. A combined experimental and theoretical study of Raman on EC is reported in this work for the first time. The Raman bands observed for EC in solid phase are characteristic for the carbonyl group, C―C, C―H and N―H stretching and deformation vibrations. These spectral features coupled with a pKa study allowed establishing the neutral species of EC present in the aqueous solutions experimentally tested at different concentrations. In addition, by performing a density functional theory study in the gas phase, the calculated geometry, the harmonic vibrational modes, and the Raman scattering activities of EC were found to be in good agreement with our experimental data and helped establish the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) behavior and EC adsorption geometry on the silver surfaces. The Raman peak at 1006 cm⁻¹, assigned to the υ_s(CC) + ω(CH) modes, the strongest and best reproducible peak in the SERS spectra, was used for a quantitative evaluation of EC. The limit of detection, which corresponds to a signal‐to‐noise ratio equal to 3, was found to be 2 × 10⁻⁷ M (17.8 µg l⁻¹). SERS spectra obtained by using hydroxylamine hydrochloride‐reduced silver nanoparticles provide a fast and reproducible qualitative and quantitative determination of EC in aqueous solution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nanoprobes for intracellular and single cell surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a promising and powerful label free technique for high resolution analysis of single cells. For intracellular analysis, there is a need for SERS‐active nanoprobes that are minimally invasive to cells, do not affect cell viability, and provide reproducible signals. This work reviews the state‐of‐the‐art tools currently available for intracellular SERS. Various types of SERS probes are considered, including colloidal gold and silver nanoparticles, metallized optical fibers, and tip‐enhanced Raman probes. We also discuss recently developed SERS‐active nanopipettes implemented on the basis of pulled glass microcapillaries. Finally, the critical aspects of selecting an optimal SERS nanoprobe for single‐cell analysis depending on a particular application are summarized. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy of 4‐tert‐butylpyridine on a silver electrode

We report the observation of large surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) (10⁶) for 4‐tert‐butylpyridine molecules adsorbed on a silver electrode surface in an electrochemical cell with electrode potential set at − 0.5 V. A decrease in electrode potential to − 0.3 V was accompanied by a decrease in relative intensities of the vibrational modes. However, there were no changes in vibrational wavenumbers. Comparison of both normal solution Raman and SERS spectra shows very large enhancement of the intensities of a₁, a₂, and b₂ modes at laser excitation of 488 nm. Enhancement of the non‐totally symmetric modes indicates the presence of charge transfer as a contributor to the enhancement. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ionic liquid structure: the conformational isomerism in 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4])

As a probe of local structure, the vibrational properties of the 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [bmim][BF₄] ionic liquid were studied by infrared (IR), Raman spectroscopy, and ab initio calculations. The coexistence of at least four [bmim]⁺ conformers (GG, GA, TA, and AA) at room temperature was established through unique spectral responses. The Raman modes characteristic of the two most stable [bmim]⁺ conformers, GA and AA, according to the ab initio calculations, increase in intensity with decreasing temperature. To assess the total spectral behavior of the ionic liquid both the contributions of different [bmim]⁺ conformers and the [bmim]⁺− [BF₄]⁻ interactions to the vibrational spectra are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Identification of anthocyanins in plant sources and textiles by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)

The aim of the present study was to provide experimental procedures for the identification of anthocyanin‐based dyes used in antiquity. In particular, we assessed the possibility to identify anthocyanins, both in plant extracts and in dyed textiles, by means of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a very chemically specific technique that is moreover sensitive to the changes in structures of molecules, phenomena that occur extensively in the chemistry of anthocyanins. The choice of the plant sources (bilberry, elderberry, sumac, purple corn and hollyhock) was based on their attested use in history as dyeing matters. Suitable extraction and pre‐treatment procedures were optimized both for plant sources (berries, cob glumes and flowers) and textiles dyed with such sources in the laboratory, followed by SERS analyses at different pH values. Finally, special attention was paid to the well‐known instability of anthocyanins: dyed wool samples were exposed to artificial aging in order to verify the possibility to identify such molecules also in faded textiles. The achievement of reliable surface‐enhanced Raman spectra from these samples encourages us to suggest the protocol for the analysis of historical objects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of surface morphology on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering of 4‐aminobenzenethiol adsorbed on gold substrates

The substrate‐dependent surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of 4‐aminobenzenethiol (4‐ABT) adsorbed on Au surfaces has been investigated. 4‐ABT is one of the very unique adsorbate molecules whose SERS spectral patterns are known to be noticeably dependent on the relative contribution of chemical enhancement mechanism vs electromagnetic enhancement mechanism. The SERS spectral patterns of 4‐ABT adsorbed on gold substrates with various surface morphology have thus been analyzed in terms of the symmetry types of the vibrational modes. Almost invisibly weak b₂ type vibrational bands were observed in the SERS spectra of the 4‐ABT adsorbed on Au colloidal sol nanoparticles or commercially available Au micro‐powders because of the weak contribution of the chemical enhancement. However, greatly enhanced b₂ vibrational bands were observed in the spectra of the 4‐ABT molecules adsorbed on the synthesized Au(Zn) sponge or the electrochemically roughened Au(ORC) foil caused by the strong contribution of the chemical enhancement mechanism. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adsorption study of 4‐MBA on TiO2 nanoparticles by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy

In this paper, the adsorption of 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid (4‐MBA) on TiO₂ nanoparticles was studied mostly by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and UV‐vis spectroscopy, at different pH values as well as under different temperatures and concentrations. The results show that the 4‐MBA molecules are bonded to the TiO₂ surface both through the sulfur atoms and COO⁻ groups at neutral or alkaline pH, but only through the sulfur atom at acidic pH. Furthermore, the 4‐MBA molecules possess high adsorptive stability on TiO₂ at a comparatively high temperature (150 °C). Concentration‐dependent SERS experiments show that the saturation concentration for 4‐MBA adsorbed on TiO₂ is about 10⁻³ M in natural case (pH = 6). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of Ir(ppy)3 and [Ir(ppy)2 bpy]+ by infrared,Raman spectra and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering

The Raman and infrared spectra of fac ‐tris(2‐phenylpyridinato‐N,C2′)iridium(III), Ir(ppy)₃ and surface‐enhanced resonance Raman spectra of bis(2‐phenyl pyridinato‐) (2,2′bipyridine) iridium (III), [Ir(ppy)₂ (bpy)]⁺ cation were recorded in the wavenumber range 150–1700 cm⁻¹, and complete vibrational analyses of Ir(ppy)₃ and [Ir(ppy)₂ (bpy)]⁺ were performed. Most of the vibrational wavenumbers were calculated with density‐functional theory agree with experimental data. On the basis of the results of calculation and comparison of the spectra of both complexes and their analogue [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, we assign the vibrational wavenumbers for metal–ligand modes; metal–ligand stretching wavenumbers are 277/307 and 261/236 cm⁻¹ for Ir(ppy)₃, and 311/324, 257/270, 199/245 cm⁻¹ for [Ir(ppy)₂ bpy]⁺. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectra of [Ir(ppy)₂ bpy]²⁺ were measured at two wavelengths on the red and blue edges of the low‐energy metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer band. According to the enhanced Raman intensities for the vibrational modes of both ligands ppy and bpy, the unresolved charge‐transfer band is deduced to consist of charge‐transfer transitions from the triplet metal to both ligands ppy and bpy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Intermolecular interactions,ion solvation,and association in mixtures of 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and γ‐butyrolactone: insights from Raman spectroscopy

By means of Raman spectroscopy coupled with density functional theory (DFT) calculations and perturbation correlation moving window two‐dimensional correlation spectroscopy intermolecular interactions were assessed in mixtures of ionic liquid (IL) 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BmimPF₆) with polar aprotic solvent γ‐butyrolactone (γ‐BL) over the entire range of compositions. The symmetrical P―F stretching vibration of the IL anion was found to be insensitive to the changes in mixture concentration in contrast to the CO stretching vibration of the γ‐BL and the imidazolium ring C―H stretching vibrations of the IL cation. Each of these vibrational profiles was decomposed in various spectral contributions, and their number was rationalized by the results of quantum‐chemical calculations and/or previous controversial published data. Progressive redshift of the ring C―H stretching wavenumbers was referred to pronounced solvation of the cation at the imidazolium ring site accompanied with H‐bond formation. This was especially pronounced at IL mole fraction less than 0.18. Complicated variations in the intensities of the individual contributions of the CO profile were treated as a manifestation of the changing with concentration pattern of the intermolecular interactions. The self‐association of γ‐BL molecules and distinct cation solvation as dominant intermolecular interactions at low IL content are replaced with weaker cation solvation and ion association at high concentrations of IL. Possible representative molecular structures were proposed on the basis of DFT calculations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to the analysis of natural resins in artworks

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is rapidly growing as an analytical technique for the detection of extremely low concentrations of analytes. The analysis of natural resins from artworks is often restricted by sample size constraints in general, and Raman spectroscopy in particular is hampered by fluorescence when using visible irradiation wavelengths. This work demonstrates that SERS is able to overcome interference from fluorescence in such samples using the incident wavelength 514.5 nm, to allow collection of SERS spectra from extremely small samples. Characterisation of the natural resin surface coating from a painting by Tiepolo is discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of calixarene to high active surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates suitable for in situ detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seawater

The characteristics of the sol–gel matrix embedding Ag nanoparticles functionalized with 25,27‐dimercaptoacetic acid‐26,28‐dihydroxy‐4‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene (DMCX) suitable for the in situ detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seawater is presented. The DMCX‐functionalized silver nanoparticles were produced by the thermal reduction method in xerogel film. The silver colloid blocks were formed in the sol–gel matrix, with a diameter ranging from 50 to 120 nm. DMCX forming the monolayer on the silver nanoparticle surface contributes to the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity due to the aggregation of silver nanoparticles and the preconcentration of PAH molecules within the zone of electromagnetic enhancement. When selected, PAH molecules e.g. pyrene and naphthalene were adsorbed onto the SERS substrate; Raman band positions of PAH were slightly shifted. A calibration procedure reveals that this type of SERS substrate has a limit of detection of 3 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/l for pyrene and 13 × 10⁻⁹ mol/l for naphthalene in artificial seawater. The Raman signal response on a pyrene concentration change in artificial seawater was evaluated using a 671‐nm Raman setup with a flow‐through cell. This type of SERS substrate will be suitable for the in situ trace detection of pollutant chemicals in seawater. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering and density functional theory studies of bis(4‐aminophenyl)sulfone

Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of dapsone by using colloidal silver nanoparticles have been recorded. Density functional theory was used for the optimization of ground state geometries and simulation of the vibrational spectrum of this molecule. The SERS spectrum with a large silver cluster as a model metallic surface was simulated for the first time. Taking into account the experimental and calculated Raman as well as the SERS normal modes and the corresponding assignments, along with the modeling of the free dapsone and the one in the presence of the colloidal silver nanoparticles, the importance of the sulfone group on the SERS effect in dapsone was inferred. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

pH‐sensing nanostar probe using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS): theoretical and experimental studies

Local pH environment has been considered to be a potential biomarker for tumor diagnosis because solid tumors contain highly acidic environments. A pH‐sensing nanoprobe based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using nanostars under near‐infrared excitation has been developed for potential biomedical applications. To theoretically investigate the effect of protonation state on SERS spectra of p‐mercaptobenzoic acid (pMBA), we used the density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional to calculate Raman vibrational spectra of pMBA‐Au/Ag complex in both protonated and deprotonated states. Vibrational spectral bands were assigned with DFT calculation and used to investigate SERS spectral changes observed from experiment when varying pH value between five and nine. The SERS peak position of pMBA at ~1580 cm⁻¹ was identified to be a novel pH‐sensing index, which has small but noticeable downshift with pH increase. This phenomenon is confirmed and well‐explained with theoretical simulation. The study demonstrates that SERS is a sensitive tool to monitor minor structural changes due to local pH environment, and DFT calculations can be used to investigate Raman spectra changes associated with minor differences in molecular structure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of hemoglobin on nano silver film prepared by electrolysis method

Nano silver films were prepared by the electrolysis method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to detect the morphology of the silver particles. The surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of the hemoglobin on nano silver film were recorded. It is seen from the SERS spectra that the nano silver films can enhance the Raman signals of the hemoglobin efficiently, and sodium citrate and phosphate buffered saline have no influence on the SERS spectra of hemoglobin. The electrolysis technique to fabricate this highly bioactive, stable, reusable, and low‐cost SERS substrate will be useful in the development of hemoglobin detection methods. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of chloramphenicol in Ag colloids prepared by microwave heating method

Ag colloids were prepared by the microwave heating method. The UV‐visible spectrum and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to characterize the Ag colloids. The surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of chloramphenicol (CAP) in Ag colloids were successfully recorded. The Raman spectra of CAP were recorded with good concordance comparing to the theoretical results calculated by the Gaussian'98 program. CAP molecules on the Ag surface are oriented tilted to the particle surface via C20‐O23, N‐O13, and N‐O23, which played an important role in the SERS effect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Potential‐induced Raman behavior of individual (R)‐di‐2‐naphthylprolinol molecules on a Ag‐modified Ag electrode

The applicability of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated to probe the adsorption behavior of individual molecules on a Ag electrode. High‐quality SERS spectra of (R)‐di‐2‐naphthylprolinol (DNP) were obtained from ultradilute solutions (10⁻¹² M ) on the Ag‐nanoparticle‐modified Ag electrode, which is attributed to the high electromagnetic (EM) effect of the SERS‐active system as well as to the strong adsorption and interaction of DNP molecules with Ag. The stable SERS spectra present remarkable potential dependence, which gives evidence for the behavior of individual DNP molecules on the Ag surface. Based on statistical analysis for the probability of DNP molecules located in ‘hot spots’, we propose an SERS mechanism for individual molecules in the electrode system, in combination with the hot‐spot model and orientation of the probe molecules. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Near‐infrared surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (NIR‐SERS) studies on oxyheamoglobin (OxyHb) of liver cancer based on PVA‐Ag nanofilm

A near‐infrared surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (NIR‐SERS) method was employed for oxyheamoglobin (OxyHb) detection to develop a simple blood test for liver cancer detection. Polyvinyl alcohol protected silver nanofilm (PVA‐Ag nanofilm) used as the NIR‐SERS active substrate to enhance the Raman scattering signals of OxyHb. High quality NIR‐SERS spectrum from OxyHb adsorbed on PVA‐Ag nanofilm can be obtained within 16 s using a portable Raman spectrometer. NIR‐SERS measurements were performed on OxyHb samples of healthy volunteers (control subjects, n = 30), patients (n = 40) with confirmed liver cancer (stage I, II and III) and the liver cancer patients after surgery (n = 30). Meanwhile, the tentative assignments of the Raman bands in the measured NIR‐SERS spectra were performed, and the results suggested cancer specific changes on molecule level, including a decrease in the relative concentrations and the percentage of aromatic amino acids of OxyHb, changes of the vibration modes of the C_aH_m group and pyrrole ring of OxyHb of liver cancer patients. In this paper, principal component analysis (PCA) combined with independent sample T test analysis of the measured NIR‐SERS spectra separated the spectral features of the two groups into two distinct clusters with the sensitivity of 95.0% and the specificity of 85.7%. Meanwhile, the recovery situations of the liver cancer patients after surgery were also assessed using the method of discriminant analysis‐predicting group membership based on PCA. The results show that 26.7% surgeried liver cancer patients were distinguished as the normal subjects and 63.3% were distinguished into the cancer. Our study demonstrated great potentials for developing NIR‐SERS OxyHb analysis into a novel clinical tool for non‐invasive detection of liver cancers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering of 4‐mercaptopyridine on sub‐monolayers of α‐Fe2O3 nanocrystals (sphere,spindle, cube)

We report surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra from 4‐mercaptopyridine (4‐Mpy) adsorbed on sub‐monolayers of α‐Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals (sphere, spindle, cube). The maximum enhancement factor has been estimated to be about 10⁴ compared to that of 4‐Mpy in solution. A possible mechanism has been proposed that the charge transfer between the α‐Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals and the 4‐Mpy molecules is most likely responsible for the observed enhancement of Raman intensity of adsorbed 4‐Mpy molecules as surface plasmon resonances have not occurred. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.