Multifunctional gold-loaded TiO2 thin film: photocatalyst and recyclable SERS substrate

A simple strategy for synthesizing gold-loaded TiO2 thin film (Au/TiO2) for use as multifunctional photocatalyst and recyclable surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate is introduced. Macroporous TiO2 thin film is prepared through the dip-coating method and made the SERS activity by deposition of gold nanoparticles on its surface. Owing to the high photocatalytic activity of TiO2, the substrate can degrade adsorbates into small inorganic molecules under UV irradiation. In this manner, the substrate is able to self-clean and be reused for a new SERS detection cycle. The photodegradation and SERS experimental results show that Au/TiO2 is a good candidate for both photocatalyst and SERS substrate and exhibits high recyclability in the detection of organic pollutants.