Visible-light-sensitive microrobots using HO as fuel for highly efficient capture and precise detection of nanoplastics.

Nanoplastics, which are small plastic particles resulting from the decomposition of plastic waste, can accumulate and adsorb toxic chemicals in aquatic environments, leading to detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for the development of an efficient method to accurately quantify and effectively remove nanoplastics. Here, we prepared a novel "cage-like" microrobot for effective dynamic capture and highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of nanoplastics in situ.

A disposable paper-based hydrophobic substrate for highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection.

Detection of target analytes with high sensitivity and reproducibility remains a challenge for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) due to the lack of cost-effective and highly sensitive substrates. In this study, a hydrophobic SERS substrate capable of concentrating nanoparticles and analytes was prepared by spin-coating lubricating liquid onto commercial paper. The condensation effect of the paper-based hydrophobic substrate induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to generate ''hot spots'' for SERS and to drive analytes to the hot-spot areas for more sensitive detection.

Recyclable three-dimensional Ag nanorod arrays decorated with O-g-CN for highly sensitive SERS sensing of organic pollutants.

A three-dimensional (3D) substrate was developed by assembling a monolayer of graphitic carbon nitride (O-g-CN) on Ag nanorod arrays (Ag NRs) for sensitive and recyclable surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. The prepared Ag NRs/O-g-CN substrate not only generated a significant Raman enhancement effect as a result of the strong π-π stacking interaction between O-g-CN and the analytes but also possessed excellent self-cleaning property via visible-light irradiation that was attributed to its outstanding catalytic performance. Highly sensitive SERS detection could be achieved with a LOD of 8.