Summary

Pollution caused by pharmaceuticals is an emerging problem with evidence of risks to the environment and, even to human health. This project proposes to develop a metallic nanostructured sensing platform that is capable to function simultaneously as a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate and as an electrode for electrochemical (EC) sensing. By joining the two techniques on a single platform several benefits will by achieved: SERS will benefit from the possibility of trapping (capturing) molecular analytes by electrochemical surface processes; EC
sensing will benefit from the increased surface area of the nanostructured metallic patterns; a mutual benefit yields from the possibility to provide Raman fingerprinting during the EC analysis, providing valuable information on fundamental molecular processes involved. Both an experimental demonstrator model enabling analysis of liquid samples, and the method for efficiently performing experiments will be provided. The experimental demonstrator will integrate into the current state-of-the-art spectro-electrochemistry equipment, making it a prospective product that could potentially target a broad market. By starting at TRL 2 we aim to achieve the higher technological maturity level TRL 4. We also aim to contribute to increasing the capacity of our institutions to generate laboratory-validated solutions for new products in the field of environmental sensors, stimulating the interest of economical agents with academic or industrial profile or environmental agencies.