Ni and O co-modified MoS2 as universal SERS substrate for the detection of different kinds of substances

Ni and O co-modified MoS2 as SERS substrate to detect harmful substances, and its enhanced effect came from the charge transfer effect and interface dipole–dipole interaction between substrate and molecules. It doesn't depend on molecular resonance. Thus, it can realize the rapid detection of different kinds of substances. [Display omitted] •The ultra-high SERS activity of MoS2 is realized by Ni and O co-modification.•The 1NMS250-3h substrate has a high EF value of 7.73 × 106.•The 1NMS250-3h substrate can realize rapid detection of various molecules.•Synergistic SERS enhancement mechanism for 1NMS250-3h. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has attracted extensive attention as an ultrasensitive detection method. However, the poor biocompatibility and expensive synthesis cost of noble metal SERS substrates have become non-negligible factors that limit the development of SERS technology. Metal chalcogenide semiconductors as an alternative to noble metal SERS substrates can avoid these disadvantages, but the enhancement effect is lower than that of noble metal substrates. Here, we report a method to co-modify MoS2 by Ni and O, which improves the carrier concentration and mobility of MoS2. The SERS effect of the modified MoS2 is comparable to that of noble metals. We found that the improved SERS performance of MoS2 can be attributed to the following two factors: strong interfacial dipole–dipole interaction and efficient charge transfer effect. During the doping process, the incorporation of Ni and O enhances the polarity and carrier concentration of MoS2, enhances the interfacial interaction of MoS2, and provides a basis for charge transfer. During the annealing process, the introduction of O atoms into the S defects reduces the internal defects of doped MoS2, improves the carrier mobility, and promotes the efficient charge transfer effect of MoS2. The final modified MoS2 as a SERS substrate realizes low-concentration detection of bilirubin, cytochrome C, and trichlorfon. This provides promising guidance for the practical inspection of metal chalcogenide semiconductor substrates.