Aerogels have been studied as potential insulating and conducting materials, but little research has been conducted characterizing organic molecules in aerogel matrices using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In this study, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) was adsorbed to SiO2-Ag colloid materials in the form of acid- and base-catalyzed sol gel, xerogel, and aerogel. Surface-enhanced Raman spectra were obtained from each SiO2 substrate. SERS spectra were observed from all of the SiO2 substrates, but the sharpest and most enhanced spectra of 4-MBA were obtained from acid-catalyzed substrates.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid in sol gels, xerogels, and aerogels

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.