Red Shifted Nanomaterials for Security Applications
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Pure and Applied Chemistry
Abstract
Surface enhanced Raman scattering is an extremely sensitive and selective technique that is rapidly emerging as an effective method for ultrasensitive analysis. It offers an increased enhancement over normal Raman scattering therefore is ideal for the detection of trace amounts of analyte and because of the molecularly specific spectra obtained it is ideal for detecting analytes in mixtures. The sensitivity of SERS also lends itself to stand off detection due to the intense signals which can be obtained from specially synthesised labels as well as ones which are commercially available. These labels, in combination with nanoparticles, can be used as coded labels due to their unique vibrational spectra allowing labelling of products in areas such as brand protection for example in the beverage market.
This project proposes to develop the technique and labels required to carry out detection of coded nanoparticles using excitation wavelengths above 785 nm e.g.1064 nm or 1280 nm in harsh (industrial) environments. This will require synthesising different types of metal nanoparticles which have extinction profiles towards the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and developing coatings for the nanoparticles that would protect them from harsh environments such as strong acid, while still being able to give a strong SERS response.
The aim is to develop a tagging system using SERS active labels which will allow SERS signals to be detected in the infrared. It will also involve the development of SERS labels which are stable to the environment in which they will act as a label. This will involve exploring the encapsulation of labelled nanoparticles in for example different polymers or varnishes.
Objectives
(1) To explore the synthesis of metal nanoparticles with red shifted absorbances. This will involve synthesising nanoparticles with different sizes, shapes and shell structures including gold and silver.
(2) To evaluate possible labels, both commercially available and synthesised in-house for use with 1064 nm and 1280 nm nm laser excitation with the synthesised nanoparticles to give maximum SERS enhancement.
(3) Evaluate matrices which can be used to protect or encapsulate the labelled nanoparticles and protect them from the environment and investigate the stability of the coded nanoparticles over time in harsh environments.
(4) To develop a coding scheme which will allow unique spectral signatures to be used to identify the SERS coded nanoparticles. This will involve multiplexing of different combinations of coded nanoparticles.
This project proposes to develop the technique and labels required to carry out detection of coded nanoparticles using excitation wavelengths above 785 nm e.g.1064 nm or 1280 nm in harsh (industrial) environments. This will require synthesising different types of metal nanoparticles which have extinction profiles towards the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and developing coatings for the nanoparticles that would protect them from harsh environments such as strong acid, while still being able to give a strong SERS response.
The aim is to develop a tagging system using SERS active labels which will allow SERS signals to be detected in the infrared. It will also involve the development of SERS labels which are stable to the environment in which they will act as a label. This will involve exploring the encapsulation of labelled nanoparticles in for example different polymers or varnishes.
Objectives
(1) To explore the synthesis of metal nanoparticles with red shifted absorbances. This will involve synthesising nanoparticles with different sizes, shapes and shell structures including gold and silver.
(2) To evaluate possible labels, both commercially available and synthesised in-house for use with 1064 nm and 1280 nm nm laser excitation with the synthesised nanoparticles to give maximum SERS enhancement.
(3) Evaluate matrices which can be used to protect or encapsulate the labelled nanoparticles and protect them from the environment and investigate the stability of the coded nanoparticles over time in harsh environments.
(4) To develop a coding scheme which will allow unique spectral signatures to be used to identify the SERS coded nanoparticles. This will involve multiplexing of different combinations of coded nanoparticles.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513349/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2279207 | Studentship | EP/R513349/1 | 01/10/2019 | 31/05/2023 | Craig Buchanan |