Unlocking the power of nano Petals: Magnifying Rhodamine 6G detection sensitivity in SERS

Abstract

The escalating prevalence of hazardous, chromatic dye pollutants necessitates the implementation of a discerning and expeditious detection methodology. This investigation responds to this imperative by introducing silver-coated nickel oxide (Ag@NiO) nanostructured thin films as efficacious substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). Interrogating the exceptional enhancement capabilities of Ag@NiO nano petals and unraveling the underlying mechanisms governing their formation, the study provides valuable insights into the optimization of SERS substrate fabrication. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis affirms the presence of a Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) structure within NiO, accompanied by an average crystallite size ranging from 38 to 53 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images unveil petal-like morphologies with widths fluctuating between 36 and 48 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis validates the elemental composition, while UV–visible spectrum analysis delineates a band gap energy (Eg) spectrum spanning from 3.23 to 3.43 eV. Of particular significance is the showcase of Ag@NiO nano petals' astounding enhancement factor, reaching an impressive 3.2 x 107 for Rhodamine 6G (R6G). This enables detection at an extraordinary limit of 10-7 mol/L. These discernments not only propel advancements in SERS substrate engineering but also harbor implications for the meticulous analysis of R6G dye and other environmental pollutants, thereby enriching the arsenal of chemical sensing and environmental monitoring methodologies.