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Perchlorate Detection at Nanomolar Concentrations by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Journal Article · · Applied Spectroscopy

Perchlorate (ClO4) has emerged as a widespread environmental contaminant and been detected in various food products and even in human breast milk and urine. This research developed a sensing technique based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for rapid screening and monitoring of this contaminant in groundwater and surface water. The technique was found to be capable of detecting ClO4 at concentrations as low as 10-9 M (or ~0.1 g/L) by using 2-dimethylaminoethanethiol (DMAE) modified gold nanoparticles as a SERS substrate. Quantitative analysis of ClO4 was validated with good reproducibility by using both simulated and contaminated groundwater samples. When coupled with a portable Raman spectrometer, this technique thus has the potential to be used as a in situ, rapid screening tool for perchlorate in the environment.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Sponsoring Organization:
ORNL work for others; ORNL LDRD Seed-Money
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725
OSTI ID:
964320
Journal Information:
Applied Spectroscopy, Journal Name: Applied Spectroscopy Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 63; ISSN 0003-7028; ISSN APSPA4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English