Smart supramolecular sensing with cucurbit[n]urils: probing hydrogen bonding with SERS

Image credit: RSC

摘要

Rigid gap nano-aggregates of Au nanoparticles formed using cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) molecules are used to investigate the competitive binding of ethanol and methanol in an aqueous environment. We show it is possible to detect as little as 0.1% methanol in water and a ten times higher affinity to methanol over ethanol, making this a useful technology for quality control in alcohol production. We demonstrate strong interaction effects in the SERS peaks, which we demonstrate are likely from the hydrogen bonding of water complexes in the vicinity of the CB[n]s.

吴光鹭
吴光鹭
课题组负责人

研究方向:多组分功能组装体;非共价二聚体;超分子催化;智能软物质

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