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.

Detection of calcein blue in silver-doped silica sol-gels using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

247th National Meeting (2014)

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