SERS-active Au NR oligomer sensor for ultrasensitive detection of mercury ions

Abstract

In this study, we developed a sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor based on a self-assembled Au NR oligomer for the detection of mercury ions (Hg²⁺) in aqueous solution. Taking advantage of the high sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy and high specificity of the T–Hg²⁺–T base pair, the method was used in ultratrace analysis of Hg²⁺ in real water samples. The developed Hg²⁺ detection method showed an excellent linear range from 5 to 5000 pM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.3 pM (0.86 pg mL⁻¹). The recovery experiment presented excellent recovery ranging from 88.98%–105.76%, and demonstrated that the sensor could be used to monitor the concentration of Hg²⁺ for environmental water.