INFLUENCE OF THE REDUCING AGENTS ON MORPHOLOGY AND PROPERTIES OF SIVER STRUCTURES ON PAPER

Abstract

Abstract. A paper-based SERS substrate with tunable plasmonic properties and excellent flexibility has been applied in various fields. These SERS substrates were prepared using a direct chemical reduction synthesis method for the present work. The isotropic and anisotropic morphology of silver structures on cellulose paper fiber were controlled by the types of reducing agents: (1) sodium borohydride (NaBH4), (2) ascorbic acid (L-AA), (3) glucose, (4) formaldehyde (HCHO). The plasmon characterization of silver structures on paper was systematically investigated. The fabricated paper-based SERS substrates were used to detect melamine in an aqueous solution and determine the influence of type reducing agents on the enhancement factor (EF) and signal uniformity of SERS substrates.