Synthesis of Uniform Gold Nanorods with Large Width to Realize Ultralow SERS Detection

In this work, we successfully demonstrate high-yield synthesis of high-quality gold nanorods (Au NRs) with width ranging from 6.5 nm to 175 nm by introducing heptanol molecules as secondary templating agents during cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-templated, seeded growth method. The results show that an appropriate concentration of heptanol molecules not only alter the micellization behavior of CTAB in water, but also help silver ions impact the symmetry-breaking efficiency of additional Au-NP seeds in addition to enhancing the utilization of gold precursors. Moreover, the generality and versatility of the present strategy for synthesis of Au NRs with flexible controlled dimensions are further demonstrated by successful synthesis of Au NRs with the assistance of other fatty alcohols with properly long alkyl chains. Furthermore, when arrays of vertically aligned Au NRs with large width (AVA-Au-120x90 NRs) are used as SERS substrates, they can achieve the ultralow limit of detection for crystal violet (10(-16) M) with good reliability and reproducibility, and the rapid detection and identification of residual harmful substances.

Automated summary

This study successfully synthesized high-quality gold nanorods with widths ranging from 6.5 nm to 175 nm by introducing heptanol molecules as secondary templating agents, demonstrating the generality and versatility of the synthesis strategy for Au NRs. The use of vertically aligned arrays of Au NRs as SERS substrates allows for rapid detection and identification of residual harmful substances with good reliability and reproducibility.