Surface Defects Improved SERS Activity of Nanoporous Gold Prepared by Electrochemical Dealloying

Nanoporous metals possess excellent catalytic and optical properties that are related with surface morphology. Here, we modulated the ligament surface of nanoporous gold (NPG) by controlling electrochemical dealloying and obtained NPG with an improved enhancement of its surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) property. We found that both high-density atomic steps and kinks on the curved surfaces and high-content silver atoms close to the ligament surface contributed to the high SERS ability. The presented strategy will be useful for the fabrication of nanoporous metal with an excellent surface that is needed for sensing, conversion, and catalytic.

Automated summary

By controlling electrochemical dealloying, we modified the ligament surface of nanoporous gold (NPG) to improve its surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) property. The presence of high-density atomic steps and kinks on the curved surfaces, as well as high-content silver atoms close to the ligament surface, contributed to the high SERS ability. This strategy is important for the fabrication of nanoporous metals with excellent surface properties for sensing, conversion, and catalysis.