SERS on semiconductor substrates receives an electromagnetic boost

Abstract

Boosting electromagnetic enhancement in semiconductor substrates will be key to rendering surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) a commercially viable technique. So far, doing so has been difficult, and detecting non-chemisorbing analytes, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), by using these materials had never been achieved. In this issue of Chem, Liu, Ye, Xiang, et al. have finallzed reached this milestone by synthesizing [email protected] nanostructures. Boosting electromagnetic enhancement in semiconductor substrates will be key to rendering surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) a commercially viable technique. So far, doing so has been difficult, and detecting non-chemisorbing analytes, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), by using these materials had never been achieved. In this issue of Chem, Liu, Ye, Xiang, et al. have finallzed reached this milestone by synthesizing [email protected] nanostructures. Boosting electromagnetic enhancement for detection of non-adsorbing analytes on semiconductor SERS substratesLiu et al.ChemFebruary 20, 2023In BriefAchieving detection of non-adsorbing analytes is crucial for many SERS-based applications. However, this is prohibited for semiconductor substrates because their electromagnetic enhancing capabilities are inherently weak. Herein, a MOF-coating strategy is presented that strengthens the electromagnetic enhancing capability of ZnO nanoparticles by extending the enhancement region of the electromagnetic field generated around their surface and by enriching analyte molecules, thereby leading to successful detection of non-adsorbing volatile organic compound (VOC) molecules. This MOF-coating strategy promises various potential applications for semiconductor substrates. Full-Text PDF