Electrochemical SERS detection of chlorinated hydrocarbons in aqueous solutions

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Applied Spectroscopy; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1366/0003702944027417· OSTI ID:7080824

Storey, J M.E.; Shelton, R D; Barber, T E; Wachter, E A ^[1]

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1. Health Sciences Research Division, Oak Ridge, National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6113 (United States)

An [ital in] [ital situ] method for the determination of trichloroethylene (TCE), perchlorethylene (PCE), chloroform (CHCl[sub 3]) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl[sub 4]) in aqueous solution is described. The method is based on ESERS-a combination of electrochemical methods and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Electrochemistry prepares the surface of a copper electrode for SERS and concentrates the analyte on the surface. The formation of common reaction products for chloroalkanes and for chloroalkenes prevents unequivocal differentiation within a specific class of chlorinated hydrocarbons. However, spectroscopic selectivity between the chloroalkane and chloroalkene classes is excellent, while differences in electrochemical response provide a secondary means for differentiating analyte class. Sensitivity was found to be: [lt]1 ppm for TCE; 15 ppm for PCE; 15 ppm for CHCl[sub 3]; and 10 ppm for CCl[sub 4]. Application of the method to groundwater contaminated with TCE has been demonstrated. In combination with a fiber-optic waveguide, the ESERS technique offers potential for remote detection of chlorinated hydrocarbons in groundwater and remediation process streams.

• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 7080824
• Journal Information: Applied Spectroscopy; (United States), Journal Name: Applied Spectroscopy; (United States) Vol. 48:10; ISSN 0003-7028; ISSN APSPA4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400102* -- Chemical & Spectral Procedures
400400 -- Electrochemistry
AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
CHLORINATION
DISPERSIONS
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
HALOGENATION
HYDROCARBONS
LASER SPECTROSCOPY
MIXTURES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
SOLUTIONS
SPECTROSCOPY
SURFACE PROPERTIES