Comparative Analysis of Raman Signal Amplifying Effectiveness of Silver Nanostructures with Different Morphology

To increase the attractiveness of the practical application of molecular sensing methods, the experimental search for the optimal shape of silver nanostructures allowing to increase the Raman cross section by several orders of magnitude is of great interest. This paper presents a detailed study of spatially separated plasmon-active silver nanostructures grown in SiO2/Si template pores with crystallite, dendrite, and sunflower-like nanostructures shapes. Nile blue and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole were chosen as the model analytes for comparative evaluation of the Raman signal amplification efficiency using these structures. It was discussed the features of the structures for the enhancement of Raman intensity. Finally, we showed that silver crystals, dendrites, and sunflower-like nanostructures in SiO2/Si template could be used as the relevant materials for Raman signal amplification, but with different efficiency.

Automated summary

This paper presents a detailed study on the influence of the shape of silver nanostructures on the efficiency of Raman signal amplification. It is found that silver crystals, dendrites, and sunflower-like nanostructures can be used for Raman signal amplification in SiO2/Si template, but with different efficiencies.