A surface chemistry perspective on SERS: revisiting the basics to push the field forward

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Surface Science

Background:

• Studying nanoscale surfaces and phenomena presents significant challenges.
• Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) relies on nanoscale surfaces, yet its underlying chemical phenomena are not fully understood.
• Limited knowledge of nanoparticle surface chemistry hinders the development of reliable SERS devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a chemically realistic understanding of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles, the most common SERS-active surfaces.
• To compile key, state-of-the-art surface chemistry information for SERS.
• To guide the rational development of SERS analytical protocols and enhance its reliability.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on SERS and related fields.
• Exploration of the chemical nature and architecture of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles.
• Examination of the surface chemistry and thermodynamic equilibria of common SERS colloids.

Main Results:

• Detailed analysis of the surface landscape of popular SERS colloids.
• Explanation of thermodynamic equilibria governing nanoparticle surface chemistry.
• Identification of knowledge gaps and challenges in SERS surface science.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of nanoparticle surface chemistry is essential for advancing SERS.
• Addressing surface complexity can overcome the perception of SERS as unreliable.
• This review provides a foundation for developing more robust and reproducible SERS analytical methods.