A Simple Route for the Preparation of Gold Nanofilms and Their Application in SERS Detection of Pyrene in Water

Abstract Design and preparation of various rational gold nanostructures has been recognized as a promising solution for the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal amplification. Here, a simple fabrication method was reported for the synthesis of highly sensitive gold nanofilms for SERS detection through covering ginger-liked gold nanoparticles on the stainless steel sheet. The prepared gold nanofilms were then tested by a dip-SPME-SERS method for detecting pyrene. The limit of detection for pyrene standard solution was 0.1ppb, while the limit of detection for pyrene in tap water and lake water without any pretreatment was 5 ppb, respectively. The whole analysis process takes less than 15 minutes. Our method may be a potential alternative way to the chromatography method. The fabricated gold nanfilms are expected to be used for the rapid and sensitive detection of other pollutants such as organic pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.