Fe3O4/Au nanoparticles/lignin modified microspheres as effectual surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for highly selective and sensitive detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT).

A new lignin modified hybrid microsphere, comprising poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) core and magnetite (Fe3O4)/Au nanoparticle (NP) shell, was proposed here for the selective and highly sensitive detection and removal of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosives based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and electrochemical detection methods. The presence of lignin and the highly packed layer of Fe3O4/AuNPs as a magnetic collector and metal enhancer for SERS signals allowed for the detection of TNT below 1 pM.