Uniform gold nanoarray formed by controlled IP6 micelles for chemical mapping

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Surface Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) requires uniform nanostructures for reproducible signals.
• Controlling nanoparticle assembly on conductive substrates is crucial for SERS applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a uniform gold nanoarray on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass.
• To evaluate the SERS efficiency and reproducibility of the fabricated nanoarray.
• To demonstrate its potential for chemical mapping.

Main Methods:

• Formation of inositol hexakisphosphoric (IP(6)) micelle layers on ITO glass.
• Controlled pH (10) precipitation of gold nanoparticles to form a uniform nanoarray.
• SERS measurements using Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and 2-mercaptopyridine (2-MPy) as Raman probes.

Main Results:

• A uniform gold nanoarray was successfully fabricated on ITO glass.
• The nanoarray exhibited sound SERS efficiency and reproducible 2D Raman signals.
• Relative standard deviation (RSD) of Raman intensities was less than 12% for R6G and 2-MPy.
• Demonstrated Raman point-mapping of onion epidermis.

Conclusions:

• The developed IP(6)-gold nanoarray offers high SERS performance and reproducibility.
• This method provides a viable route for mass production of uniform gold nanoarrays.
• The nanoarray is suitable for chemical mapping and imaging applications.