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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Synthesis, Characterization, and Functionalization of Hybrid Au/CdS and Au/ZnS Core/Shell Nanoparticles
Published on: March 2, 2016
Simple synthetic route for SERS-active gold nanoparticles substrate with controlled shape and organization
Mikhael Bechelany1, Pierre Brodard, Jamil Elias
1EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures, Feuerwerkerstrasse 39, CH-3602 Thun, Switzerland. mikhael.bechelany@empa.ch
Researchers developed a novel method for creating organized gold nanostructures like nanoflowers and nanocrowns. This technique offers precise control over nanoparticle shape and arrangement, paving the way for advanced surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Controlling nanoparticle morphology and organization is crucial for advanced material applications.
- Electroless deposition and lithography offer pathways for nanostructure fabrication.
- Understanding growth mechanisms is key to tailoring nanostructure properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, simultaneous method for controlling gold nanoparticle (Au NP) shape and organization.
- To investigate the formation of organized domains of Au nanoflowers and nanocrowns.
- To explore the role of saccharin in Au NP crystal growth and its impact on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
Main Methods:
- Electroless deposition (galvanic displacement) combined with natural lithography.
- Room temperature synthesis with saccharin as an organic additive.
- Systematic surface enhancement Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using p-mercaptoaniline (pMA) as a probe molecule.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous control over shape and organization of Au NPs achieved.
- Formation of organized extended domains of Au nanoflowers and nanocrowns with single crystalline tips reported for the first time.
- Tunable dimensions and morphology of nanostructures by controlling deposition conditions.
- Massive and reproducible SERS signal enhancements observed from organized gold nanoflowers.
- Distinguished between charge-transfer (chemical) and electromagnetic (physical) SERS mechanisms based on morphology.
Conclusions:
- A facile synthetic route for producing organized, single-crystalline Au nanostructures was established.
- Saccharin plays a significant role in directing the crystal growth of Au NPs.
- The developed Au nanostructures demonstrate excellent SERS performance, suitable for various applications.
- The study provides insights into SERS mechanisms, differentiating chemical and physical effects.
