The effects of the underpotential and overpotential deposition of lead and thallium on silver on the Raman spectra of adsorbates

Abstract

It is shown that the underpotential deposition (UPD) and dissolution of monolayers of Pb and Tl onto Ag surfaces roughened in a controlled oxidation-reduction cycle produces a Ag surface which shows diminished surface enhanced Raman scattering (DSERS). Significantly enhanced Raman spectra can still be obtained from electrodes covered by complete UPD and overpotential deposited (OPD) layers of the metals. Correct choice of electrolytes for the UPD of the metal reduces the loss of enhanced Raman scattering; chloride ions, constituents of many electrolytes used in the investigation of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), are shown to be especially active in causing the loss of SERS.