Modification of Ag nanoparticles with mixed thiols for improved SERS detection of poorly adsorbing target molecules: detection of MDMA

Abstract

Here we report an example of a mixed thiol monolayer on the surface of Ag nanoparticles which promotes adsorption and quantitative SERS detection of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA,“Ecstasy”); the thiols in the mixed monolayers act …