Imaging and Identification of Single Nanoplastic Particles and Agglomerates

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to image and identify individual nanoplastic particles as small as 100 nm, advancing environmental detection capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of SERS for detecting single nanoplastic particles below 1 μm, with significant enhancement factors, aiding future sensor development.

Findings

Achieved over three orders of magnitude enhancement in SERS signal.

Successfully imaged and identified 100 nm nanoplastic particles.

Provides a foundation for future nanoparticle detection sensors.

Abstract

Currently the extent of nanoplastic in the environment can only be estimated by extrapolation from the plastic waste that can be detected. To be able to quantify the whole extent of the problem, detection methods have to be developed that can also identify particles that are smaller than 1 $\mu$m. Here we employ surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to image and identify single nanoplastic particles down to 100 nm in size. We obtain an experimental enhancement factor of more than three orders of magnitude measured on a single plastic particle instead of averaging over a concentration. Our results contribute to the better understanding and employment of SERS for nanoparticle detection and present an important step for the development of future sensors.