Thesis

Optimisation of surface enhanced Raman scattering from gold and silver nanoparticle solutions

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2008
Thesis identifier
  • T12093
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • The efficiency of Surface enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERS or SERRS) as a technique is entirely dependent on controlling the parameters responsible for the enhancement effects. In this thesis, some of the critical parameters have been investigated. It is concluded that it is possible to predict and to some degree manipulate the maximum enhancement of the Raman scattering in an experimental setup. By applying the findings presented in this thesis it is possible to optimise an experimental setup according to a desired purpose where silver or gold nanoparticle solutions are used as the source of surface enhancement. Many of the findings herein are also expected to be applicable to other SER(R)S-systems, and also to be of interest in related techniques, such as metal enhanced fluorescence and surface plasmon resonance. Methods for the controlled synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles, are presented and techniques for the characterisation of their physical properties are evaluated. Further, a technique enabling the separation of the relative contribution of absorption and scattering to the extinction profile is presented. Further, the effect of the nanoparticles physical properties on their suitability as SERS substrates is investigated. In particular, the effect of nanoparticle size and nanoparticle solution state of aggregation is investigated in order to optimise the SERS intensity at the detector. The results show that the SERS intensity is critically dependent on these properties, and that it is possible to predict the optimal combination of nanoparticle size, wavelength of the excitation source and aggregation state of the nanoparticle solution. Finally, the effect of a molecular resonance on the SERRS intensity is demonstrated and confirmed as a significant effect.
Resource Type
DOI
EThOS ID
  • uk.bl.ethos.488775
Date Created
  • 2008
Former identifier
  • 783470

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