This report presents the findings and methodology of a study that applied Raman scattering as a probe for analyzing 4-mercaptopyridine (4-Mpy) surface modified Copper oxide (CuO) nanocrystals.
CuO is an important p-type semiconductor with a narrow band gap of 1.21 eV. CuO nanocrystals are often used as photochemically active and photoconductive compounds. In profiling the current study, this report describes the synthesis of CuO nanocrystals, surface-modified CuO nanocrystals by 4-mercaptopyridine, the preparation of the sample for Raman measurement, and the instruments used to obtain Raman spectra. The study demonstrated that CuO nanocrystals can provide enhanced Raman scattering with the EF 102. The similarities and differences of 4-Mpy molecules adsorbed on CuO nanocrystals and those on metal substrate were revealed. This study indicates the promising future of using Raman spectra for understanding chemisorption and reaction mechanisms of molecules on semiconductor materials in some practical systems. 5 figures, 1 table, and 41 references