Session: Advances in Electrochemistry:

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique not only for the characterization of a large variety of systems but also for detection and analysis purposes due to its fingerprint properties. However, the low sensitivity and lack of reproducibility traditionally displayed by this technique have limited the development of new applications. Today, the combination of the electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman scattering (EC-SERS) effect and the use of metallic screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) as reproducible SERS substrates, offers an effective alternative to overcome traditional sensitivity and reproducibility limitations. In this work, the electrochemical activation of gold and silver SPEs as SERS substrates has been performed.

In order to demonstrate the utility of EC-SERS for the detection of pesticides, thiram, imidacloprid and malathion compounds have been selected. These compounds are widely used to control different insects in agriculture and must be monitored according to environmental regulations and limitations. . EC-SERS allows for fast and simple detection of these pesticides, providing ample opportunity for future application in this field.

Additionally, fingerprint features of Raman spectroscopy enable the spectroelectrochemical elucidation of multivitamin complexes. The accuracy assignment of Raman bands associated with B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 vitamins provides valuable information that enables the detection of B vitamin present in multivitamin pills and insight into the interaction between vitamins and metallic SERS surfaces.

Finally, time-resolved Raman spectroelectrochemistry has been used to perform dynamic studies of fluorogenic systems. The resazurin/resorufin/dihydroresorufin system is one of the most highly referenced substances used in studies on cell viability and cytotoxicity for a wide range of biological and environmental systems. The high sensitivity of the SERS effect plays a key role in the detection of different compounds in the same sample and for monitoring the interconversion between them.

María Begoña González-García

Appearances