A team led by Prof. ZHANG Hongwen developed a handheld surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensor that combines gold-capped silicon nanocones with an oxime-functionalized probe (p-PAOM) to selectively detect organophosphorus nerve agents such as sarin down to 10 ppb in liquid and gas samples.
The sensor pairs a selective molecular probe (p-PAOM) with gold-capped silicon nanocones to achieve rapid, on-site SERS detection of sarin at 10 ppb in under 20 seconds.
p-PAOM targets the P–C bond in organophosphorus agents through an oxime reaction and attaches to the gold surface via a thiol, while a pyridine ring enhances Raman signal.
The device works in both liquid and gas phases, maintains performance up to 100 °C and across pH 3–12, and showed good selectivity against common interferents in tests.
Organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents such as sarin are highly toxic and require rapid, reliable screening at points of public risk—airports, borders, and large events. Conventional laboratory methods (chromatography-mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry) are accurate but bulky and not ideal for fast on-site checks.
Researchers led by Prof. ZHANG Hongwen at the Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences combined a portable Raman spectrometer with a purpose-designed SERS chip to detect OP agents quickly and selectively.
Using a portable Raman spectrometer, the sensor detected sarin in liquid samples in less than 20 seconds with a detection limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb). The sensor also detected sarin in the gas phase. Tests indicated good selectivity in the presence of common interfering substances. The sensing chemistry and substrate remained effective across a wide temperature range (up to 100 °C) and pH range (3–12), suggesting robustness for varied field conditions.
The probe is chemically tailored to recognize the P–C bond in OP molecules. The oxime group reacts with that bond, anchoring the target to the SERS-active surface where the gold nanocones amplify its Raman signature. The thiol group secures the probe to gold, and the pyridine moiety increases the intensity of the Raman response so trace amounts are easier to see.
The results appear in Chemical Engineering Journal in a paper titled "Rational design of an oxime-functionalized probe for ultrasensitive and portable SERS detection of organophosphorus nerve agents." The research team reports ongoing development toward technology transfer and industrial applications.
This approach aims to bridge the gap between lab-grade detection and rapid field screening by delivering a compact SERS-based tool that combines selective chemistry with engineered nanostructures. The reported sensitivity, speed, phase flexibility (liquid and gas), and environmental robustness make the sensor suitable for rapid on-site checks, subject to further development and validation for operational deployment.
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