Template-directed synthesis of Ag nanowire arrays by a simple paired cell method for SERS

Abstract:

The silver (Ag) nanowire arrays with regular and uniform size were successfully fabricated inside the nanochannels of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template by a simple paired cell method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicate that the as-synthesized samples are composed of face-centered cubic structure, and the average diameter is about 60–70 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the corresponding fast Fourier transformation (FFT) results show that Ag nanowires have a preferred single-crystal structure. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrum of Ag nanowire arrays exhibits UV emission band at 383 nm which can be attributed to the transverse dipole resonance of Ag nanowire arrays. A good surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum is observed by excitation with a 514.5 nm laser, and the intensity of the SERS peak is about 23 times higher than that of the normal Raman peak measured from an empty AAO template. The high enhancement factor suggests that this method can be used to fabricate SERS sensor with high efficiency.