We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
In situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the detection of nanoplastics: A novel approach inspired by the aging of nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a novel in-situ SERS (surface-enhanced Raman scattering) detection method for nanoplastics that exploits UV photoaging to generate silver nanoparticles directly on particle surfaces, enabling highly sensitive identification of polystyrene, PVC, and PET nanoplastics in real lake water samples at concentrations as low as 1 × 10⁻⁶ mg/mL.
Nanoplastics (NPs) present a hidden risk to organisms and the environment via migration and enrichment. Detecting NPs remains challenging because of their small size, low ambient concentrations, and environmental variability. There is an urgency to exploit detection approaches that are more compatible with real-world environments. Herein, this study provides a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique for the in situ reductive generation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), which is based on photoaging-induced modifications in NPs. The feasibility of generating Ag NPs on the surface of NPs was derived by exploring the photoaging mechanism, which was then utilized to SERS detection. The approach was applied successfully for the detection of polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) NPs with excellent sensitivity (e.g., as low as 1 × 10 mg/mL for PVC NPs, and an enhancement factor (EF) of up to 2.42 × 10 for small size PS NPs) and quantitative analytical capability (R > 0.95579). The method was successful in detecting NPs (PS NPs) in lake water. In addition, satisfactory recoveries (93.54-105.70 %, RSD < 12.5 %) were obtained by spiking tap water as well as lake water, indicating the applicability of the method to the actual environment. Therefore, the proposed approach offers more perspectives for testing real environmental NPs.
More Papers Like This
Identification of polystyrene nanoplastics using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated for the first time that surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using silver nanoparticles can identify polystyrene nanoplastics as small as 50 nm in real water samples, providing a rapid detection method that bypasses conventional sample preparation and could advance environmental monitoring of nanoplastics previously invisible to standard analytical techniques.
Breaking the Size Barrier: SERS-Based Ultrasensitive Detection and Quantification of Polystyrene Plastics in Real Water Samples
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method capable of detecting and quantifying polystyrene plastic particles of various sizes — including nanoplastics — in real environmental water samples at ultrasensitive concentrations.
In situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for detecting microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic environments
AI summary Read the abstract
This study evaluated surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as a method for detecting and identifying microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic environments, demonstrating its potential for detecting particles too small for conventional spectroscopy while noting remaining challenges for field deployment.
Hetero-charge-based surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy: An in situ rapid detection strategy for real marine nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an in situ SERS detection method using oppositely charged gold nanoparticles to capture and identify nanoplastics directly in seawater without filtration or drying, achieving a detection limit of 0.1 µg/mL in artificial seawater and successfully identifying polystyrene in a real marine sample.
Direct Detection of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Water Using High-sensitivity Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering with Ag Nanoarray Substrates
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a fast, sensitive detection method using silver nanostructures and laser light scattering (surface-enhanced Raman scattering) to identify polystyrene nanoplastics in water at concentrations as low as 10 micrograms per milliliter, offering a practical tool for monitoring nanoplastic contamination in real-world water sources.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.