Time-resolved SERS study of the oxygen reduction reaction in ionic liquid electrolytes for non-aqueous lithium–oxygen cells

We use the Raman active bands of O₂˙⁻ to probe its changing Lewis basicity through its interaction with various ionic liquid electrolytes at the electrode surface.

Recent advances in flow injection analysis

A dynamic development of methodologies of analytical flow injection measurements during four decades since their invention has reinforced the solid position of flow analysis in the arsenal of techniques and instrumentation of contemporary chemical analysis.

Surface- and Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy as Operando Probes for Monitoring and Understanding Heterogeneous Catalysis

ABSTRACT

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) were until recently limited in their applicability to the majority of heterogeneous catalytic reactions. Recent developments begin to resolve the conflicting experimental requirements for SERS and TERS on the one hand, and heterogeneous catalysis on the other hand. This article discusses the development and use of SERS and TERS to study heterogeneous catalytic reactions, and the exciting possibilities that may now be within reach thanks to the latest technical developments. This will be illustrated with showcase examples from photo- and electrocatalysis.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS): progress and trends

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combines molecular fingerprint specificity with potential single-molecule sensitivity. Therefore, the SERS technique is an attractive tool for sensing molecules in trace amounts within the field of chemical and biochemical analytics. Since SERS is an ongoing topic, which can be illustrated by the increased annual number of publications within the last few years, this review reflects the progress and trends in SERS research in approximately the last three years. The main reason why the SERS technique has not been established as a routine analytic technique, despite its high specificity and sensitivity, is due to the low reproducibility of the SERS signal. Thus, this review is dominated by the discussion of the various concepts for generating powerful, reproducible, SERS-active surfaces. Furthermore, the limit of sensitivity in SERS is introduced in the context of single-molecule spectroscopy and the calculation of the 'real' enhancement factor. In order to shed more light onto the underlying molecular processes of SERS, the theoretical description of SERS spectra is also a growing research field and will be summarized here. In addition, the recording of SERS spectra is affected by a number of parameters, such as laser power, integration time, and analyte concentration. To benefit from synergies, SERS is combined with other methods, such as scanning probe microscopy and microfluidics, which illustrates the broad applications of this powerful technique.