Selective detection of aqueous nitrite ions by surface-enhanced Raman scattering of 4-aminobenzenethiol on Au

초록

In this work, we have devised a selective nitrite-ion detection method based on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of 4-aminobenzenethiol (4-ABT) on Au. This is possible because, firstly, SERS is a very surface-sensitive technique with monolayer detection capability, and secondly, the amine group of 4-ABT reacts readily with nitrites in acidic media, forming a diazonium group, which can subsequently form an azo bond by reacting with a variety of benzene derivatives. From the peak intensity of the diazonium group, the presence of nitrite ions above 20 mu M can be identified readily. From the peak intensity of the azo moiety alone, it is even possible to detect nitrite ions at concentrations as low as 5 mu M, without interference from other anions. This work clearly illustrates the usefulness of SERS in environmental science research.

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