Speaker
Description
In response to growing environmental concerns, there is a need for accurate and efficient methods to detect water pollutants. This research focuses on developing an advanced microchannel-based Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrate. This innovative platform aims to identify various water contaminants, including pharmaceutical residues like diclofenac, caffeine, and carbamazepine. The main objective is to design a microfluidic system incorporating customised SERS substrates to improve detection sensitivity and accuracy. The project is divided into phases, starting with the creation of a set of SERS substrates: lithography-derived gold nanoparticles and differently shaped gold nanoparticles. Different Metal- Organic Frameworks (MOFs) will be tested to trap pollutants on the substrates. The system's core is its structured microchannels, which allow the smooth flow of liquid samples. These channels integrate SERS substrates, forming a platform for pollutant detection. Water samples containing pollutants are introduced into the microchannels, where the porous MOFs grown on plasmonic nanostructures capture analytes, enabling enhanced Raman signals to be recorded. Spatial analysis of Raman spectra across the channels provides detailed insights into the detection process and interactions between pollutants and substrates, confirming system reliability and sensitivity. The combined use of diverse SERS substrates and precise microchannel design creates a platform capable of multi-pollutant detection, suitable for real-time, on-site monitoring. By integrating advanced technology into this design, this work showcases the transformative potential of microchannel-based SERS substrates in promoting cleaner, safer water resources amid environmental conservation efforts.