Vázquez Pérez, Germán

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Improving surface-enhanced Raman scattering by the implementation of pillararenes on silver nanoparticles
(2024-05-09) Vázquez Pérez, Germán; Bezares, Francisco J.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Marrero Soto, Pablo J.; Sánchez Quintero, Dilsom; Department of Physics; Cabrera Ríos, Mauricio
Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy is a highly sensitive and specific detection method. This technique is useful for sensing extremely small concentrations of analytes, that could be harmful for human health and food security. Therefore, it is of foremost importance to study methods that can enhance the sensing capabilities of SERS. This work presents an experimental and statistical analysis of optimal parameters for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, which are responsible for the enhancement of the Raman signal. After the parameter optimization, a layer of dimethoxy pillar[5]arene was deposited onto the Ag nanoparticles to study the selectivity of the technique. These are highly symmetric macrocycles that have the capacity to attract certain types of molecules into their central cavity. The layer of pillar[5]arenes was optimized for concentration and thickness, which allowed studying their capabilities to capture toxic analytes and detect them using SERS.