Silver nanoparticles decorated filter paper via self-sacrificing reduction for membrane extraction surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy detectionElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3an36485b

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated filter papers combining solid-phase extraction (SPE) with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) achieved rapid collection of analytes and in situ detection. The AgNPs were fabricated by cellulose self-sacrificing reduction. Aqueous Ag(NH 3 ) 2 OH was reduced by hydroxyl groups in cellulose under alkaline conditions. The AgNPs were highly uniform and firmly adhered to the microfibers. Reaction conditions were optimized by the probe molecule p -aminothiophenol (PATP) to attain the best Raman enhancement. Methylene blue trihydrate (MB) and 6-thioguanine (6-TG) were detected by flow-through method. The results exhibited outstanding SERS effect and an obvious improvement in detection limit was observed compared to common immersion methods. SERS detection was quantitative as the log-log plot of Raman intensity against MB and 6-TG concentrations showed a linear relationship. The SERS-active paper is degradable because it could be burned after analyte detection. Silver nanoparticles decorated filter paper has been prepared via self-sacrificing reduction and achieved quantitative SERS detection by a flow-through method.