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Current Density Optimization for SERS Substrates Using Galvanostatically Anodized TiO2 Nanostructures Decorated with
Marcos Luna-Cervantes1, Josué Ismael García-Ramírez1, Julián Hernández-Torres1
1Centro de Investigación en Micro y Nanotecnología, Universidad Veracruzana, Boca del Río 94294, PC, Mexico.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Optimizing titanium anodization current density enhances TiO2 morphology for superior SERS performance. The best substrate detected methylene blue at 10-11 M, showing great potential for sensitive detection applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) requires optimized nanostructured substrates for high sensitivity.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanostructures are promising platforms for SERS applications.
- Controlling TiO2 morphology during anodization is crucial for subsequent nanoparticle deposition and SERS activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of galvanostatic anodization current density on TiO2 morphology.
- To evaluate how TiO2 morphology influences silver nanoparticle formation and SERS performance.
- To develop a reproducible and scalable method for fabricating high-performance TiO2/Ag SERS substrates.
Main Methods:
- Galvanostatic anodization of titanium at varying current densities (5-30 mA/cm²).
- Pulsed silver electrodeposition onto TiO2 nanostructures.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis.
- SERS measurements using methylene blue as a probe molecule.
Main Results:
- Anodization current density controlled TiO2 morphology, transitioning from nanotubes to dense nanograss.
- Morphology changes influenced silver nanoparticle and dendrite formation and distribution.
- The substrate anodized at 15 mA/cm² showed the highest SERS intensity due to vertically distributed hot spots in 3D dendrites.
- Achieved a limit of detection of 1 × 10-11 M methylene blue and an enhancement factor of 7 × 107.
Conclusions:
- Galvanostatic anodization is an effective method for tailoring TiO2 morphology for SERS.
- Optimized TiO2/Ag substrates exhibit excellent sensitivity and reproducibility.
- This approach offers a scalable route for developing advanced SERS sensors.
