Functionalization Ti3C2Tx as highly sensitive and selective SERS substrate by reduction rapid synthesis strategy

In this study, we designed and prepared a novel, stable, and sensitive membrane-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on the synergistic interaction of two-dimensional MXene material Ti 3 C 2 Tx and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Using this AgNPs/Ti 3 C 2 Tx active substrate, a rapid SERS method for determination of paraquat residues in vegetables and fruits was developed. The AgNPs/Ti 3 C 2 Tx films were formed by dropping AgNO 3 solution onto the film and drying, which was synthesized by wet chemical method , and then filtered into an exfoliated Ti 3 C 2 Tx film. The Ti 3 C 2 Tx film can not only effectively enrich analytes, but also provide charge transfer resonance enhancement. The homogeneous AgNPs particle size of 40–120 nm on the substrate surface of Ti 3 C 2 Tx can effectively enhance the Raman signal intensity, and the enhancement factor of methylene blue can reach 10 5 . The detection limit of the detection method for paraquat in 9 fruit and vegetable matrices was lower than 3.0 μg/kg, and the limit of quantification was lower than 12 μg/kg. The results suggest that AgNPs/Ti 3 C 2 Tx platform could be used as a sensitive and reliable for food safety analysis based on SERS method.