Research Progress in Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy: From Performance Optimization, Sensing Applications, to System Integration

• Published in: Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 13; no. 16; p. 2377
• Main Authors: Li, Dongxiao, Xu, Cheng, Xie, Junsheng, Lee, Chengkuo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.08.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Absorption cross sections; Absorption spectroscopy; Aluminum; Analysis; Atomic absorption spectroscopy; Data analysis; Electromagnetism; Environmental monitoring; Gold; Infrared absorption; Infrared spectroscopy; Internet of Things; Light; light–matter interaction; Machine learning; Materials selection; metamaterials; Methods; nanophotonics; Optical properties; Optimization; plasmonic; Precious metals; Review; Semiconductors; Sensitivity enhancement; sensor; Signal to noise ratio; Spectrum analysis; Surface chemistry; surface-enhanced infrared absorption; Trends; Wearable technology; Singapore
• ISSN: 2079-4991; 2079-4991
• DOI: 10.3390/nano13162377

Infrared absorption spectroscopy is an effective tool for the detection and identification of molecules. However, its application is limited by the low infrared absorption cross-section of the molecule, resulting in low sensitivity and a poor signal-to-noise ratio. Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy is a breakthrough technique that exploits the field-enhancing properties of periodic nanostructures to amplify the vibrational signals of trace molecules. The fascinating properties of SEIRA technology have aroused great interest, driving diverse sensing applications. In this review, we first discuss three ways for SEIRA performance optimization, including material selection, sensitivity enhancement, and bandwidth improvement. Subsequently, we discuss the potential applications of SEIRA technology in fields such as biomedicine and environmental monitoring. In recent years, we have ushered in a new era characterized by the Internet of Things, sensor networks, and wearable devices. These new demands spurred the pursuit of miniaturized and consolidated infrared spectroscopy systems and chips. In addition, the rise of machine learning has injected new vitality into SEIRA, bringing smart device design and data analysis to the foreground. The final section of this review explores the anticipated trajectory that SEIRA technology might take, highlighting future trends and possibilities.