Enhanced Raman scattering as a probe for 4-mercaptopyridine surface-modified copper oxide nanocrystals

We report on the application of Raman scattering as a probe to study 4-mercaptopyridine (4-Mpy) surface-modified CuO nanocrystals. Enhanced Raman scattering from 4-Mpy adsorbed on CuO nanocrystals was observed. The Raman signals displayed 10(2) enhancement compared with those of 4-Mpy in solution. We compared the Raman spectra of 4-Mpy molecules adsorbed on CuO nanocrystals and Ag, Cu substrate. A particular feature of the semiconductor substrate that was different from the metal substrate was revealed. The excitation wavelength-dependent behavior was clearly observed.