Self-assembly of the stretchable AuNPs@MoS2@GF substrate for the SERS application

Large-area stretchable three-dimensional (3D) AuNPs@MoS2@GF as the SERS substrates are proposed here, which were fabricated by using CVD and stamp-transfer processes. 3D graphene foams (GF) are used to increase the sensitivity and stretchability, benefiting from the high specific surface area, chemical absorption and mechanical strength. Few-layered MoS2 films, which can be formed by thermal decomposition of the ammonium tetrathiomolybdate ((NH4)(2)MoS4), are used to absorb the molecules and form the high-density AuNPs with the reaction of tetrachloroauric acid. The stretchability (epsilon) of such stretchable foams up to 100% can be achieved. SERS spectra of CV molecules show that AuNPs@MoS2@GF can be applied to detect as low as 10 (10) M. Such stretchable substrates can be used as ultrasensitive biosensors to detect the molecules on surfaces of any shape. Highlights: An ingenious AuNPs@MoS2@G Foam hybrids are fabricated by us in a gentle and simple way. The AuNPs@MoS2@GF is proposed as stretchable, strong and sensitive SERS-based three-dimensional sensor. The stretching up to 100% has almost no effect to the SERS performance of AuNPs@MoS2@GF. Such stretchable substrate can directly be used as an ultrasensitive swab to detect the molecules on surfaces of any shape. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.