Current microscale tracking of chemical kinetics is limited to destructive ex-situ methods, which are also unable to provide real-time reaction monitoring at a molecular level. In this talk, I will discuss our group’s development using highly flexible plasmonic liquid marbles as pico-liter analytical sensors. By using the ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) capability imparted by the plasmonic shell of the Ag nanoparticles of the liquid marbles, the liquid marbles are capable of quantitative examination of multiple analyte(s), even at trace level. Simultaneous two-phase analyte detection at the interfacial of aqueous and organic solvents can also be achieved using our marble. Recently, we extend the usage of our flexible liquid marbles as picoreactor, which is also capable of providing in-situ identification of reaction dynamics in their native reaction environment and at molecular level. One unique property of the liquid marbles is that they can be submerged at liquid–liquid interface. We exploit the interfacial property to monitor the interfacial reaction of dimethyl yellow (p-dimethylamino-azobenzene (DY)) across aqueous and organic phases. Using this soft plasmonic platform, we have successfully resolved the presence of two isomeric products with very similar physical properties, which would otherwise be indiscernible by other analytical methods. Ultimately, our ability to precisely decipher molecular-level reaction dynamics sketches new horizons to develop more efficient processes in synthetic chemistry and nanotechnology.<br/>

<i>In-situ</i> SERS detection at picoliter scale using substrate-less Ag nanoparticle-based liquid marbles

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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In-situ SERS detection at picoliter scale using substrate-less Ag nanoparticle-based liquid marbles