Boron Nitride Nanosheets for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a precise and non-invasive analytic technique, capable of providing information on chemical bonds of molecules at extremely low concentrations. Therefore, it is widely used in chemical analysis, environmental protection, detection of illicit drugs, food processing, diagnostic biology, etc. However, the challenge to produce highly sensitive, reproducible, and reusable SERS substrates significantly limits its wider applications. Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) that possess high flexibility, strong surface adsorption capability, gas impermeability, electrical insulation, and high thermal and chemical stability could help solve the challenge. To better learn about the recent progress in BNNS-based SERS substrates, and shed light on future research, an overview of BNNS-based SERS substrates is presented herein. In this review, the mechanism and challenges of SERS are introduced, followed by the properties of BNNSs. The classification and preparation methods of BNNS-based substrate are highlighted as well. Finally, challenges and perspectives on the deficiencies, future development and achievements are presented.