Light trapping induced flexible wrinkled nanocone SERS substrate for highly sensitive explosive detection

We reported an ultrasensitive TNT detection method via a novel light trapping induced wrinkled nanocone flexible SERS substrate, which was fabricated by colloidal lithography and oxygen plasma etching on transparent PET film. Especially, a set of nanowrinkles with 50−60 nm was found on the sidewall of nanocone after etching. By coating 30 nm gold film, this flexible SERS substrate provided uniform hot spots, which demonstrated high reproducibility and sensitivity. 4-ATP molecules based Meisenheimer complex, which is a well-known charge-transfer interaction between electron-poor TNT and electron-rich amino group, was taken to detect ultra-low concentration of TNT explosive. The Raman signal of TNT was significantly enhanced by charge-transfer, light trapping effect and coupled electromagnetic field. The detection sensitivity of TNT molecules was as low as 10−13mol/L, and show a good linear response in the range from 10−8 to 10−13mol/L. Consequently, by brushing this flexible SERS substrate onto a cloth bag, trace amount of TNT residues with concentration as low as 10-10mol/L can be easily analyzed. It is believed that the proposed highly sensitive and uniform flexible substrate provides a significant solution for trace analysis of TNT residue in criminal forensic, military and security check.