We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
V-shaped substrate for surface and volume enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
A gold-nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate using V-shaped anodized aluminum oxide nanopores was developed to detect individual microplastic particles as small as 1 micrometer, with successful testing on real atmospheric samples. Rapid, sensitive detection methods for sub-5-micrometer microplastics are essential because this size range is the hardest to monitor yet most likely to penetrate biological barriers.
Research on the microplastics (MPs) is developing towards smaller size, but corresponding methods for the rapid and accurate detection of microplastics, especially nanoplastics still present challenge. In this work, a novel surface and volume enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate was developed for the rapid detection of microplastic particles below 5 μm. The gold nanoparticles (NPs) were deposited onto the surface and into the V-shaped nanopores of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) through magnetron sputtering or ion sputtering, and then AuNPs@V-shaped AAO SERS substrate was obtained and studied for microplastic detection. SERS performance of AuNPs@V-shaped AAO SERS substrate was evaluated through the detection of polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate microspheres. Results indicated that individual polystyrene sphere with a diameter of 1 μm can be well detected on AuNPs@V-shaped AAO SERS substrate, and the maximum enhancement factor (EF) can reach 20. In addition, microplastics in ambient atmospheric samples were collected and tested to verify the effectiveness of the AuNPs@V-shaped AAO SERS substrate in the real environment. This study provides a rapid, economic and simple method for detecting and identifying microplastics with small size.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics Characterization by Raman Microscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Raman microscopy has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying and characterizing microplastics at small particle sizes that are difficult to analyze with other methods, enabling more accurate quantification in environmental samples. Improving characterization techniques is critical because smaller microplastic particles are more numerous and more likely to be ingested by a wider range of organisms, including humans.
Microplastics Characterization by Raman Microscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Raman microscopy enables reliable identification and quantification of microplastics in environmental samples, with smaller particles posing greater ecological risk due to their higher numbers and broader species exposure. Standardizing this analytical technique is essential for producing comparable data across studies and informing effective pollution monitoring.
Raman Spectroscopy Based Approaches for Microplastics Investigations
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed Raman spectroscopy-based approaches — including confocal Raman microscopy, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and automated imaging — for identifying and characterizing microplastics in environmental samples, highlighting their superior chemical specificity compared to FTIR for sub-10-μm particles. Accurate chemical identification of microplastics at the nanoscale is foundational for both environmental monitoring and toxicological research, as particle composition (polymer type and additives) strongly influences biological harm.
Microplastics Determination with μ-Raman: Potential and Practical Aspects
AI summary Read the abstract
This study evaluated micro-Raman spectroscopy as an analytical tool for detecting and characterizing microplastics in drinking water, examining both its capabilities and practical limitations for routine water quality monitoring. Given that microplastics are now found throughout water treatment chains, establishing reliable detection methods is a critical step toward understanding human ingestion exposure from tap and bottled water.
Microplastic pollutant detection by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS): a mini-review
AI summary Read the abstract
This mini-review surveys surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates and label-free detection strategies for identifying microplastics in water, covering metal nanoparticle suspensions, immobilized substrates, and nanofabricated platforms. SERS offers a highly sensitive analytical tool for detecting and characterizing microplastic pollutants at trace concentrations in complex aquatic environments.
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.