Low-concentration organic molecules detection via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy effect using Ag nanoparticles-coated silicon nanowire arrays

Abstract

In this report we present the initial results of the use of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs)-coated silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays for detection of organic molecules using the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) effect. The SiNW arrays were prepared by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) and the AgNPs were deposited on the SiNW arrays through immersion of SiNW arrays in the HF/AgNO3 solution. Specifically, results showed that very low concentration (about 10−7–10−5 mol l−1) of malachite green ropped on the surface of the AgNPs-coated SiNW arrays can be detected.