Key Factors for Tuning Au Self-Assembling SERS Films: from Properties to Structure

Abstract

We studied self-assembled plasmonic films (SPF) based on gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs). We recorded the intensity distribution maps (IDM) with an area of 2025 μm² (9 × 9 points). We have observed uniform enhancement across the entire surface of SPF. Therefore, we used the parameters average intensity of IDM and IDM gate when we optimized the synthesis of SPF. Average intensity is the average intensity value over 81 spectra of the IDM. The gate is the span excluding 10% of the outliers. We have discovered that the maximum average intensity was observed at a concentration of 1.00 × 10^–5 M. A decrease in the concentration of Au-NPs leads to a decrease in the average intensity. A simultaneous decrease in TOABr and A-u‑NPs concentration also leads to a decrease in the average intensity. The film obtained by the optimal synthesis method was characterized using SEM and AFM.