AI Article Synopsis

  • A new split-type SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering) substrate has been developed, featuring a combination of Al2O3@Ag@Si nanocone arrays and Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) for improved sensitivity and stability.
  • The substrate is created by coating a silicon nanocone array with an ultra-thin layer of Al2O3 after ion-sputtering silver, while the Ag-NPs are synthesized separately and later combined for SERS measurement.
  • This innovative design allows the substrate to detect Rhodamine R6G at very low concentrations (1 pM) with a high enhancement factor, maintaining its performance over time due to effective protection against oxidation.

Article Abstract

Herein, we report a facile strategy of combined SERS measurements based on a split-type SERS substrate, which exhibits excellent SERS activity, detection signal reproducibility and chemical stability. The SERS substrate consists of an ordered Al2O3@Ag@Si nanocone array and Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), both of which are fabricated individually. The Al2O3@Ag@Si nanocone array is obtained by ion-sputtering Ag on an Si nanocone array and then coating an ultrathin (∼2 nm) Al2O3 dielectric layer via atomic layer deposition (ALD). Ag-NPs are synthesized via the liquid phase method and then immersed in an organic solvent for liquid seal. For the SERS measurement, Ag-NPs are dispersed in a liquid containing the probe molecules and then, they self-assemble on the surface of the Al2O3@Ag@Si nanocones. Subsequently, the ultrathin Al2O3 dielectric layer separates Ag-NPs from the Ag@Si nanocones, forming massive gap-introduced hot spots. This substrate is sensitive to 1 pM Rhodamine R6G with an average enhancement factor of up to 109, exhibiting excellent SERS activity. Moreover, due to the protection of the Al2O3 dielectric layer and the organic solvent for the Ag@Si nanocones and Ag-NPs against oxidation, the split-type SERS substrate achieves an SERS signal with almost no attenuation after five months, indicating its good chemical stability.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c9nr09238bDOI Listing

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