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Scalable fabrication of the graphitic substrates for graphene-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Tommi Kaplas1, Antti Matikainen2,3, Tarmo Nuutinen2,4
1Institute of Photonics, University of Eastern Finland, FI-80101, Joensuu, Finland. tommi.kaplas@uef.fi.
Scientific Reports
|August 19, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a new method for synthesizing ultra-thin graphitic films. This technique enhances the Raman signal of molecules on the substrate, offering a promising alternative for material science applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Direct synthesis of high-quality graphitic films on dielectric substrates remains challenging.
- Existing methods often involve complex transfer processes.
- Enhancing the sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is crucial for molecular detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a direct synthesis method for ultra-thin graphitic films.
- To investigate the role of a sacrificial nickel (Ni) catalyst in improving graphitic film crystallinity.
- To evaluate the potential of these graphitic films as substrates for SERS applications.
Main Methods:
- Direct synthesis of graphitic films on dielectric substrates using a sacrificial Ni catalyst layer.
- Pyrolysis of photoresist at temperatures of 800°C and above in the presence of the Ni catalyst.
- Deposition of dye molecules (Sudan III) on the fabricated graphitic substrate.
- Characterization using Raman spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- The Ni catalyst significantly increased the crystallinity of pyrolyzed photoresist at elevated temperatures.
- The fabricated graphitic substrate exhibited enhanced Raman signals from Sudan III molecules.
- The enhancement was comparable to that achieved with conventionally transferred graphene substrates.
- Evidence of multilayer graphene formation within the photoresist film.
Conclusions:
- Direct synthesis of ultra-thin graphitic films is achievable using a sacrificial Ni catalyst.
- The fabricated graphitic films serve as effective SERS substrates.
- This method offers a simplified approach for creating sensitive SERS platforms.
