SERS based detection of herbicide MCPA using electrochemically synthesized 2D-silver nanodendrites functionalized with cyclodextrin

Abstract: Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful analytical technique that has found application in trace detection of a wide range of contaminants. In this paper we report on the fabrication of 2-D silver nanodendrites, on silicon chips, synthesized by electrochemical reduction of AgNO3 at microelectrodes. The formation of nanodendrites is tentatively explained in terms of electromigration and diffusion of silver ions. Electrochemical characterization suggests that the nanodendrites do not stay electrically connected to the microelectrode. The substrates show SERS activity with an enhancement factor on the order of 106. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations were carried out to investigate the suitability of the fabricated substrate for pesticide monitoring. These substrates can be functionalized with cyclodextrin macro molecules to help with detection of molecules with low affinity with silver surfaces. A proof of concept is demonstrated with the detection of herbicide 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid