3D Printed Polymer Nanocomposites Engineered With Graphene and Metallic Nanoparticles for Optical Detection of Water Pollutants

The development of novel low-cost materials capable of exhibiting high performance, sensitivity and reproducibility are highly desirable for environmental quality monitoring of emerging chemical pollutants (ECPs). Their presence in water can be harmful and have unpredictable consequences for the environment and human health. Therefore, monitoring such ECPs is critical to improving water quality and preventing the increased incidence of several diseases. Here, we explore the performance of 3D printed polymer nanocomposites comprising graphene and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to detect ECPs in water using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Fused filament fabrication additive manufacturing will fabricate samples using nanoengineered filaments comprising graphene and AuNPs. Nanoengineered filaments are prepared by melt blending using a twin-screw extruder. The composites’ capability to detect the ECPs is evaluated using conventional and portable Raman instruments. Imaging techniques, namely confocal Raman microscopy, are used to optimize the Raman signal of the ECPs on the substrates.