Charge-transfer-activated SERS detection of methylene blue using an ultrastable, reliable, and highly sensitive semiconductor Fe 3 O 4 @C@TiO 2 nano-platform

Key Points

• This research aims to develop a highly sensitive detection method for methylene blue using a novel semiconductor platform.
• Utilized a metal-free Fe3O4@C@TiO2 heterostructure for SERS detection.
• Investigated charge transfer mechanisms between semiconductor and molecules.
• Assessed stability and reliability of the system compared to noble-metal SERS platforms.
• Achieved sensitivity levels comparable to noble-metal SERS systems.
• Demonstrated stable performance under various conditions.
• Enabled efficient molecular detection through semiconductor-molecule charge transfer.