BUAP researcher leads study on SERS chemical mechanisms

Dr. Alia Méndez Albores, a researcher at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) Institute of Sciences, is leading a project to elucidate the chemical contribution to Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS).

SERS is a highly sensitive vibrational technique capable of detecting individual molecules by interacting laser radiation with molecules near nanostructured surfaces. While the electromagnetic mechanism of SERS is well-established, the chemical mechanism—specifically regarding charge transfer and electronic coupling between the substrate and the molecule—remains a subject of ongoing research and debate.

The project aims to use these findings to design strategies for monitoring analytes of environmental, clinical, or medical interest. Dr. Méndez Albores is collaborating with Marek Procházka, a specialist from Charles University in the Czech Republic, on this research, which has already resulted in a joint publication.