Recent advances in surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry for chemical analysis

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) is a relatively new approach in chemical analysis whereby the Raman scattering efficiency can be enhanced by factors of 103 to 107 when a compound is adsorbed on or near roughened metal surfaces, submicron structures, or particles. This paper presents an overview of recent developments of this new spectrochemical method for analytical applications. Various techniques to produce SERS-active solid substrates are presented. Some of the SERS-active surfaces evaluated include microsphere-coated surfaces or quartz post substrates. This study also reports the development of new substrates using materials, such as titanium oxide or fumed silica, which can be used as coating substances in the development of SERS-active substrates. The analytical figures of merit and limitations of each technique for analytical applications are discussed. Several examples of SERS measurements of individual compounds and mixtures of environmental and biological importance are presented to illustrate the usefulness of this potentially powerful new analytical tool. © 1988.

Duke Scholars

Author Tuan Vo-Dinh Biomedical Engineering