Scientists have developed a new technique using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to monitor the diffusion behavior of single molecules in sub-nanometer spaces.

H2 New SERS Technology Allows Accurate Monitoring of Single-Molecule Diffusion Behavior

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly sensitive technique that enables the analysis of single molecules, providing valuable insights into molecular interactions and chemical reactions.

In a recent study published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, a research team led by Prof. Yang Liangbao from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has successfully used SERS technology to monitor the diffusion behavior of a single molecule in the sub-nanometer space.

SERS technology works by inducing a resonance phenomenon on a metal surface, significantly enhancing the molecular Raman signal. However, long-term monitoring of unlabeled single molecules has been a challenge. In this study, the researchers utilized the photothermal effect of gold nanorods to construct hotspot structures with a gap size of approximately 1.0 nm using laser reconstruction.

The constructed hotspot not only provided excellent SERS enhancement but also actively trapped the target molecules, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of the diffusion behavior of single molecules. The team specifically focused on the diffusion behavior of crystalline violet single molecules.

By using dynamic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, the researchers were able to observe the blinking behavior of single crystalline violet molecules for durations of up to four minutes. Combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations and SERS mapping results, the team concluded that the single crystalline violet molecules can be confined in sub-nanometer space.

This groundbreaking study has significant implications for understanding molecular interactions, chemical reactions, and the behavior of biomolecules. It provides a unique way to study and analyze single molecules, enabling researchers to gain valuable insights into various scientific fields.

The ability to accurately monitor single-molecule diffusion behavior opens up new possibilities for studying the behavior of molecules in confined spaces. This knowledge can contribute to the development of more efficient chemical reactions and the design of new materials with specific properties.

The findings of this study highlight the potential of SERS technology in advancing our understanding of molecular behavior and its applications in various scientific disciplines. As researchers continue to explore and refine this technique, we can expect further breakthroughs in our understanding of the microscopic world and its impact on the environment.