Metal thin films as SERS substrates for the detection of PAHs

Rahman, Mohammad Majibur (2014) Metal thin films as SERS substrates for the detection of PAHs. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Environmental pollution is a significant concern because of human and industrial discharges. Rapid and accurate detection of a pollutant is of the utmost importance in determining its health concern and environmental impact. This detection could be achieved through the development of a facile and hence broadly deployable sensor. In the present study, I was able to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aqueous solutions using a wide variety of mixed metal alloy Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. My work sought to optimize these substrates by varying their composition, base layers, and thermal annealing temperatures. Our findings have determined that the thinnest films, of the films I measured, exhibited the best SERS response. Furthermore, it was found that an annealing temperature of 300ºC was best able to produce the surface characteristics that lead to stronger signals. Finally, the base layer affected the results, silicon exhibited higher signals than glass.

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