Gold nanoparticles decorated Ag(Cl,Br) micro-necklaces for efficient and stable SERS detection and visible-light photocatalytic degradation of Sudan I

- Ag(Cl,Br)-Au micro-necklaces were obtained via a facile solution immersion method.
- Both detection and degradation of food contaminant Sudan I were realized.
- Reproducible SERS signals with the limit of detection of 10−10 M were achieved.
- Enhanced photocatalytic stability and efficiency than AgBr/AgBr-Au control samples.

In this paper, we report an air-exposed and room-temperature immersion reaction for synthesis of novel Au nanoparticles decorated Ag(Cl,Br) [Ag(Cl,Br)-Au] micro-necklaces from the AgBr template for efficient and stable photocatalytic degradation and SERS detection of food contaminant Sudan I (SDI) molecules. Amazingly, as the photocatalyst, the partial substitution of bromine atoms by chlorine in crystalline lattices and decoration of Au nanoparticles on the surface have synergistically ensured these Ag(Cl,Br)-Au micro-necklaces of enhanced degradation efficiency of SDI from 65.1% achieved by AgBr to 100% after 18 min of visible light irradiation, along with significantly promoted efficiency maintenance after 12 cycles of the photocatalytic reaction. Meanwhile, due to the designed decoration of Au nanoparticles on surfaces of semiconducting micro-necklaces, these Ag(Cl,Br)-Au micro-necklaces also exhibited the ability to offer sensitive SERS signals for trace detection of SDI molecules with the limit of detection as low as 10−10 M being achieved. Hence, in consideration of the novel structures, facile preparation as well as attractive applications in both SERS detection and photocatalytic degradation of SDI dye of these Ag(Cl,Br)-Au micro-necklaces, it is believable that such bifunctional substrate materials hold great potential for various environmental and health-related applications.

Gold nanoparticles decorated Ag(Cl,Br) micro-necklaces were prepared for bifunctional SERS detection and visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of food contaminant Sudan I.114