Accurate, reliable and rapid detection of explosives in the environment is of great significance for timely detection of hidden explosives, prevention of terrorist crimes, tracking of environmental quality and protection of human health. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology possesses the advantages of high sensitivity, fast analysis speed, low cost and portability. A new type of three-dimensional (3D) SERS sensor was constructed by loading Au@Ag nanoparticles on the substrate of bacterial cellulose (BC) aerogels with high specific surface area and good porosity. Based on the 3D porous substrate and localized surface plasmon resonance, the composite SERS substrate realized the detection of rhodamine and trinitrotoluene (TNT) at extremely low concentrations. Core-shell Au@Ag nanoparticles were synthesized by encapsulating Au nanorods into Ag nanocuboids to improve the SERS sensitivity and stability. Adjusting the density of BC aerogels and the loading capacity of Au@Ag nanoparticles was used to optimize the structure of SERS substrates. Higher aerogel density and the amount of loaded Au@Ag nanoparticles resulted in dense multi-hotspot distribution. Moreover, Au@Ag nanoparticles were modifid with p-aminothiophenol (PATP) to facilitate the formation of Meisenheimer complex between TNT and the SERS substrate, and further improve the affinity to TNT. The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 1×10<sup>-14</sup> mol/L owing to the multi-hotspot structure of SERS substrate and the formation of Meisenheimer complex.This type of SERS substrate shows potential applications in the gas phase detection of trace explosives.

Nanocellulose-based SERS sensor for the detection of explosives

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.