Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensor Based on Self-Assembled Silver Nanoparticles for Detecting Rotten Eggs

Eggs are nutritious food that can decompose to emit hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas when stored for a long time. We designed a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor based on self-assembled silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to detect endogenous H2S generated in rotten eggs. The Ag NPs were prepared using a reduction method to enhance the Raman signal of the probe molecule, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid. The prepared Ag-NP substrate exhibited an excellent Raman strength enhancement effect, good uniformity, and long-term stability. To explore the possibility of using a SERS platform in H2S gas detection, a quantitative analysis with different H2S concentrations was performed. The results showed a good linear relationship between the Raman intensity at 1073 cm–1 and various H2S concentrations, and the H2S detection limit was as low as 0.03 μM.