Solvent choice can promote or limit the sensitive detection of small molecules using plasmonic nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This is, in part, due to the high solvent concentration relative to that of the analyte as well as inherent interactions between molecules, nanostructures, and/or solvent. Herein, SERS detection of aspirin is evaluated as a function of co-solvent composition. By using gold nanostars that are electromagnetically stable, both low and high abundance molecule-solvent-nanoparticle complexes are revealed through changes in vibrational signatures. By better understanding how solvent contributes to competing intermolecular interactions, ultrasensitive detection of small molecules can be expanded.

Using solvent to promote SERS detection on gold nanostars

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

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