Leaps-MPS: multimodal-enhanced raman scattering (MERS) for ultrasensitive molecular detection

The National Science Foundation's Division of Chemistry has awarded the University of Houston System at its University of Houston-Clear Lake campus $249,995 under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program to develop multimodal-enhanced Raman scattering (MERS) technology for ultrasensitive molecular detection of environmental pollutants. Under the leadership of Professor Tej B. Limbu, the research team will design and optimize MERS substrates by integrating advanced nanomaterials—specifically gold nanostructures and two-dimensional titanium carbide (MXenes)—to enhance light-matter interactions and improve detection sensitivity while reducing costs. The project runs from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2027.

The funded research will focus on synthesizing MXene materials, investigating optical detection mechanisms, and testing the MERS platform's capability to detect trace levels of environmental contaminants including thiram, diquat, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using standard dye molecules (methylene blue, crystal violet, and rhodamine 6G) under multiple laser excitations. Beyond the scientific deliverables, the project incorporates significant workforce development components through student involvement in hands-on experimental research, providing opportunities to build STEM skills and experience that support academic and career advancement.

Abstract

In this project, funded by the MPS-leaps (launching early-career academic pathways) program and managed by the division of chemistry, professor TEJ B. Limbu and his students at the university of houston-clear lake will perform studies focused on the development of a highly sensitive and reliable sensing technique based on the interaction of light and matter to detect trace levels of hazardous chemicals in the environment. Detecting such environmental pollutants remains a major challenge due to the high cost and limited sensitivity of current detection technologies. To address this, professor limbu and his students will design and investigate a novel sensing platform that integrates advanced nanomaterials, specifically gold nanostructures and two-dimensional titanium carbide (MXENES), to enhance light-matter interactions and significantly improve the cost-effectiveness and detection sensitivity of the technique. Additionally, the research will explore optical detection mechanisms to better comprehend their role in chemical sensing. The project will involve students in hands-on experimental research, providing opportunities to develop skills and experience that support success in stem education and careers. Professor limbu and his students will synthesize two-dimensional titanium carbide (MXENE) and integrate IT with plasmonic nanostructures in a state-of-the-art architecture to design and optimize a multimodal-enhanced raman scattering (MERS) substrate capable of ultra-sensitive detection of chemical analytes, including environmental contaminants such as thiram, diquat, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS). The team will further investigate the mechanisms contributing to raman signal enhancement using standard DYE molecules, methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV), and rhodamine 6G (R6G) under multiple laser excitations. The performance of the developed MERS substrate will be benchmarked through quantitative comparisons with conventional noble metal-based surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS) substrates. Through systematic exploration of light?matter interactions in these specially engineered hybrid nanostructures, the research aims to deepen fundamental insight into raman enhancement mechanisms and drive the development of scalable, highly sensitive molecular sensing platforms for applications in chemical analysis and environmental monitoring. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.