Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, Volume. 62, Issue 17, 1730003(2025)

Flexible Superhydrophobic Film Combined with LIBS for Highly Sensitive and Rapid Analysis of Multiple Rare Earth Elements in Aqueous Solutions

Shijie Li1, Mengfan Wu1, Chuyan Zhang2, Lingwei Zeng1, Yu Rao3, Guanghui Niu4, Xingliang He1, Weiheng Kong1, and Yixiang Duan1、*
Author Affiliations
  • 1Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan , China
  • 2Med -X Center for Manufacturing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan , China
  • 3School of Instrument Science and Optoelectronic Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, Jiangxi , China
  • 4Baowu Equipment Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201900, China
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    Rare earth elements (REEs) play a crucial role in modern technology owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. However, their distribution and content in the environment have been continuously altered by human activities and industrial development. On-site, sensitive, and fast analysis of multiple REEs is essential, but remains a challenging task. This study introduces a flexible superhydrophobic film (FSF) combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the high-sensitivity and rapid detection of multiple REEs in aqueous solutions. By employing a flexible substrate film with micron-sized pockets as a protective layer for fragile hydrophobic nanostructures, the FSF exhibits enhanced hydrophobicity and unique self-cleaning properties. These features render it more convenient and flexible in both preparation and application. Furthermore, microwave-assisted droplet evaporation is achieved on hydrophilic dot arrays of the FSF, thereby enabling efficient element-targeted enrichment. This is seamlessly integrated with the instantaneous and high-throughput analysis provided by LIBS. The proposed method demonstrates the ability to detect six REEs in aqueous solutions simultaneously with high sensitivity and high speed within 25 min. The limits of detection of REEs are obtained at the μg/L level, which is several orders of magnitude lower than previously reported LIBS techniques. The FSF-LIBS approach offers a potential tool for on-site elemental analysis, energy utilization, geochemical cycles monitoring, and environmental monitoring.

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    Shijie Li, Mengfan Wu, Chuyan Zhang, Lingwei Zeng, Yu Rao, Guanghui Niu, Xingliang He, Weiheng Kong, Yixiang Duan. Flexible Superhydrophobic Film Combined with LIBS for Highly Sensitive and Rapid Analysis of Multiple Rare Earth Elements in Aqueous Solutions[J]. Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, 2025, 62(17): 1730003

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    Paper Information

    Category: Spectroscopy

    Received: Jan. 6, 2025

    Accepted: Feb. 26, 2025

    Published Online: Sep. 12, 2025

    The Author Email: Yixiang Duan (yduan@scu.edu.cn)

    DOI:10.3788/LOP250446

    CSTR:32186.14.LOP250446

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