Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectra Promoted by a Finger Press in an All-Solid-State Flexible Energy Conversion and Storage Film

Abstract

Electrochemically up-regulated surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (E-SERS) effectively increases Raman signal intensities. However, the instrumental requirements and the conventional measurement conditions in an electrolyte cell have hampered its application in fast and on-site detection. To circumvent the inconveniences of E-SERS, we propose a self-energizing substrate that provides electrical potential by converting film deformation from a finger press into stored electrical energy. The substrate combines an energy conversion film and a SERS-active Ag nanowire layer. A composite film prepared from a piezoelectric polymer matrix and surface-engineered rGO that simultaneously presents high permittivity and low dielectric loss is the key component herein. Using our substrate, increased E-SERS signals up to 10 times from a variety of molecules were obtained in the open air. Various tests on real-life sample surfaces demonstrated the potentials of the substrate in fast on-site detection.

Keywords: Raman spectroscopy; energy conversion; graphene; smart materials; surface chemistry.