Understanding Time-Dependent Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering from Gold Nanosphere Aggregates Using Collision Theory.

ABSTRACT: Aggregates or clusters of primary metal nanoparticles in solution are one of the most widely used platforms for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements because these nanostructures induce strong electric fields or hot spots between nanoparticles and as a result, SERS signals. While SERS signals are observed to vary with time, the impact of cluster formation mechanisms on SERS activity has been less studied. Herein, variations in time-dependent SERS signals from gold nanosphere clusters and aggregates are considered both experimentally and theoretically. An excess of the Raman reporter molecule, 2-naphthalenethiol, is added to induce rapid monolayer formation on the nanoparticles. In this diffusion-limited regime, clusters form as loosely packed fractals and the ligands help c

SUBMITTER: Phan HT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7494207 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature