Flower-like gold nanostructures electrodeposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass as a SERS-active substrate for sensing dopamine

Flower-like gold nanostructures (so called gold nanoflowers) were electrodeposited on indium tine oxide (ITO) glass and served as a SERS-active substrate for sensing dopamine. A double-potential method was applied for the deposition of gold nanostructures on the glass. The density, size, and morphology of the gold nanostructures were controlled by adjusting parameters such as deposition potentials, duration, and concentrations of gold precursors. The particle density on the glass was controlled by changing the overvoltage potentials, while the size and morphology were controlled by changing the concentration of gold precursors and growth times of Gold crystal seeds. The intensity of the Raman spectrum of dopamine was distinctly enhanced on the gold nanostructures with unique flower-like topography, thereby demonstrating the utility of this SERS-active substrate that is facilely obtained by the double-potential deposition method without supporting electrolytes.