Direct Observation of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering in ZnO Nanocrystals

• NCJ Number: 255331
• Journal: Journal of Raman Spectroscopy Dated: 2009
• Author(s): Y. Wang; J. Zhang; H. Hu; B. Zhao; B. Yang; J. R. Lombardi
• Date Published: 2009
• Length: 0 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2006-DN-BX-K034
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: Development of Advanced Raman Spectroscopy Methods and Databases for the Evaluation of Trace Evidence and the Examination of Questioned Documents

Annotation

The authors report on their observation of the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from 4‐mercaptopyridine (4‐Mpy) molecules adsorbed on ZnO nanocrystals, which displayed 103 enhancement factors (EFs). 

Abstract

An excitation wavelength‐dependent behavior was clearly observed. Another molecule BVPP was also observed to have surface‐enhanced Raman signals. The chemical enhancement was most likely responsible for the observed enhancement, since plasmon resonances were ruled out. The research is important not only for a better understanding of the SERS mechanism, but also for extension of the application of Raman spectroscopy to a variety of adsorption problems on a semiconductor surface. (publisher abstract modified)