Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy detection of uranium oxides assisted by Ag2O

The rapid and efficient identification of uranium oxides is of great significance in the field of nuclear security. A feasible SERS strategy assisted by Ag2O for rapid detection of trace amount of uranium oxides (similar to 1.8 mu g/mL for UO2 and similar to 3.6 mu g/mL for U3O8) was proposed and described. The effects of laser power on the Raman and SERS of uranium oxides were investigated. And the SERS mechanism was discussed by constructing several types of SERS substrates. Uranyl ions produced from hydrolysis and oxidation of uranium oxides are the key components for their SERS, where efficient photoinduced charge transfer process from Ag2O to uranyl ions occurs, resulting in a more intense Raman mode. The easily obtained but clearly distinguished SERS signals allow us to selectively and quickly detect the uranium oxides from mixtures, which may be practically applied to nuclear antiterrorism.