Fabrication of nanostructured electrodes for electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (E-SERS): a review

Abstract

Electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (E-SERS) is a powerful technique for the detection of trace levels of analytes in solution. It has wide ranging applications with a particular focus on biomarker detection. To perform E-SERS, nanostructured plasmonic metal electrodes are needed. Currently, a variety of fabrication methods are employed. This review defines the requirements for E-SERS electrodes and then describes and evaluates the current fabrication methods. The limitations of these techniques are discussed with the balance between ease of manufacture and magnitude of enhancement being identified as the key issue. Finally, suggestions for future areas of research are presented.