Abstract: Provided herein are substrates useful for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), as well as methods of making substrates. The substrates comprise a support element; a nanoparticulate layer; a SERS-active layer in contact with said nanoparticulate layer; and optionally, an immobilizing layer disposed between said nanoparticulate layer and said support element; wherein if the optional immobilizing layer is not present, the nanoparticulate layer is thermally bonded to the support element; and if said optional immobilizing layer is present, said nanoparticulate layer thermally bonded to said immobilizing layer, and optionally, further thermally bonded to said support element. In addition, methods of making the substrates, along with methods of detecting and increasing a Raman signal using the substrates, are described herein.

Abstract: Active materials, for example, metal sulfide, or metal selenide which may be useful in the removal of a contaminant from a fluid.

Abstract: A method of making a sorbent of an activated carbon substrate having a metal sulfide, which may be useful, for example, for removing a contaminant from a fluid stream.

Abstract: A flow-through substrate having a treated activated carbon surface, useful, for example, in the removal of a toxic metal from a fluid.

Abstract: A nano-porous composition, a substrate thereof, and an article thereof, that can be used, for example, for Surface Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and like applications. The disclosure also provides methods of making the nano-porous compositions, articles, and methods for SERS imaging, as defined herein.