Fabrication of continuous and isolated 3D plasmonic micro-structured super-crystals arrays for SERS sensing (Conference Presentation)

Abstract

Metallic nanoparticles are very interesting because of their potential use in microelectronics, optical devices, biomedical and sensing applications. Their individual electromagnetic response is highly dependent on the specific size, shape, and surrounding environment. Nowadays, there are different methods which allow us to fine tune these parameters and thus, the materials properties. On the other hand, surface enhance Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy is a powerful ultra-sensitive technique which allows detection down to single molecule levels. However, the production of effective and highly active SERS substrates is mainly based on the generation of hot spots created by plasmonic nanoparticles. Nonetheless, the lack of capability to form reproducible organized structures at large scales is still a very important challenge to solve in order to produce substrates with homogeneous and reproducible SERS intensities over large areas. In this work, we report novel methods to produce arrays of nanoparticles, either as continuous or as isolated super-crystals made with plasmonic nanoparticles.[1] These macro-scale organizations were created via confinement controlled drying and spin coating. SERS studies on the super-crystals shape and size were conducted. Moreover, the produced structures were effectively use for SERS sensing showing very good reproducibility among big areas. This fact, make them perfect candidates as ultrasensitive substrates for SERS due to the controlled formation of hot spots. Which provide high and uniform SERS enhancement over extended areas. [1] Nanoscale. 2016, 8 12702