Multifunctional Ag-decorated g-C₃N₄ nanosheets as recyclable SERS substrates for CV and RhB detection

In this study, g-C₃N₄/Ag hybrid nanostructures were fabricated by facilely decorating silver nanoparticles on atmosphere-treated g-C₃N₄ and served as efficient SERS-active substrates. The observed significant SERS enhancement of crystal violet (CV) molecules on g-C₃N₄/Ag could be attributed to the high ability to concentrate target molecules through π-π stacking interactions and the near-field enhancement caused by the boosting SPR effect of the Ag NPs. The atmosphere and calcination time have a considerable impact on the SERS enhancement effect of the g-C₃N₄/Ag substrate. Furthermore, it took only 10 min to degrade dye molecules under visible light, and after 6 cycles the g-C₃N₄/Ag substrates still maintained sensitive SERS activity. This research indicates that g-C₃N₄/Ag hybrids can be applied as reusable SERS substrates.