A Rapid Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Method for Pb2+ Detection Using L-Cysteine-Modified Ag-Coated Au Nanoparticles with Core–Shell Nanostructure

A rapid surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method for Pb2+ detection has been developed based on l-cysteine-modified Ag-coated Au nanoparticles with core-shell nanostructure. Specifically, l-cysteine-functionalized Au@Ag core-shell probes bearing Raman-labeling molecules (4-ATP) are used to detect Pb2+ upon the formation of nanoparticle aggregates. The proposed SERS-based method shows a linear range between 5 pM and 10 nM, with an unprecedented limit of detection (LOD) of 1 pM for Pb2+; this LOD shows the method to be a few orders of magnitude more sensitive than the typical colorimetric approach that is based on the aggregation of noble metal nanoparticles. Real water samples diluted with pure water have been successfully analyzed. This SERS-based assay may provide a general and simple approach for the detection of other metal ions of interest, and so could have wide-ranging applications in many areas.