Nanostructured sensors with high surface areas are ideal for detecting low concentrations of DNA, proteins, and small molecules. Raman Spectroscopy is particularly useful for this application, as it allows for the rapid detection of molecules. Raman signals can be increased by factors of 108 – 1014 when molecules are adsorbed onto metallic nanostructures. The localized surface plasmons that exist on the surface of nanomaterials increase the electromagnetic energy density surrounding the nanostructures, resulting in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). In this work, nanostructured silver dendrites were fabricated by way of galvanic displacement reactions. Parameters including temperature, concentration, and counter anion were varied in order to maximize the surface area of dendritic growth. The morphologies of the as-grown dendrites were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy, while the SERS effects were measured using Raman Spectroscopy.

Toward large-area Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) sensors: Fabrication of patterned, nanostructured surfaces

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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