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Significant Enhancement of Dynamic SERS Signals Achieved Using Alloy Superatoms as Substrates
Hongbo Jing1,2, Chenxi Wan1,2, Zhen Gong2
1Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|July 1, 2025
Summary
Alloyed coinage metal superatoms significantly boost surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals by 10,000 times. High-symmetry alloys offer enhanced stability and Raman intensity, paving the way for advanced SERS substrates.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Coinage metal (CM) superatoms show promise for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) due to charge transferability.
- Limited metal element availability in CMs hinders SERS substrate improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the formation of alloyed superatoms using different CMs.
- To investigate the impact of alloying on structural and optical properties for SERS applications.
Main Methods:
- First-principles calculations were employed to model alloyed superatoms.
- Analysis of structural stability and SERS intensities of various alloy configurations.
Main Results:
- High-symmetry alloy superatoms demonstrated superior stability and 100-1000x higher SERS intensities compared to low-symmetry structures.
- Absolute Raman intensity increased by an order of magnitude (up to 10^5) versus pure CM substrates.
- Enhanced charge transfer at the alloy superatom-pyridine interface boosted polarizability derivative and Raman signal.
Conclusions:
- Alloyed superatoms present a viable strategy for enhancing SERS performance.
- High-symmetry alloyed CM superatoms offer a promising route to highly stable and sensitive SERS substrates.
- This approach significantly advances the design of next-generation SERS materials.
