A universal electrochemical-modulated surface-enhanced Raman scattering platform for the sensitive detection of charged molecules

Electrochemical-modulated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (EC-SERS) integrates the benefits of SERS with electrochemical techniques. By controlling the electrode potential, Raman spectroscopy allows for the analysis of molecules with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. With its large volume and high sample consumption, the traditional three-electrode electrochemical cell constrains the widespread adoption of EC-SERS. This study developed a versatile EC-SERS platform based on Ag nanowires-modified screen-printed electrode (AgNWs-SPE). Taking advantage of the dual functionality of AgNWs-SPE, this platform facilitates the successful in situ collection and sensitive detection of charged molecules. Experimental findings and theoretical calculations validate the platform's high sensitivity and selectivity mainly regulated by the applied potential, providing a universal approach for the highly sensitive and accurate detection of charged molecules. An integrated EC-SERS platform has been fabricated as a universal tool for the trace detection of charged molecules. It can enrich and enhance the charged molecules, thus improving the Raman sensitivity and selectivity. [Display omitted] •An integrated EC-SERS platform is fabricated as a universal tool for trace detection.•It is the applied potential that regulates EC-SERS platform's electric field.•The EC-SERS platform tends to enrich and enhance the charged molecules.•Enhanced Raman sensitivity and selectivity are reached based on EC-SERS platform.