Novel Au-Ag hybrid device for electrochemical SE(R)R spectroscopy in a wide potential and spectral range

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Jiu Ju Feng - , Technical University of Berlin, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Author)
  • Ulrich Gernert - , Technical University of Berlin, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Author)
  • Murat Sezer - , Technical University of Berlin, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Author)
  • Uwe Kuhlmann - , Technical University of Berlin, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Author)
  • Daniel H. Murgida - , Technical University of Berlin, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Author)
  • Christin David - , Technical University of Berlin, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Author)
  • Marten Richter - , Technical University of Berlin, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Author)
  • Andreas Knorr - , Technical University of Berlin, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Author)
  • Peter Hildebrandt - , Technical University of Berlin, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Author)
  • Inez M. Weidinger - , Technical University of Berlin, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Author)

Abstract

A nanostructured gold-silver-hybrid electrode for SER spectroelectrochemistry was developed which advantageously combines the electrochemical properties and chemical stability of Au and the strong surface enhancement of (resonance) Raman scattering by Ag. The layered device consists of a massive nanoscopically rough Ag electrode, a thin (2 nm) organic layer, and a ca. 20 nm thick Au film that may be coated by self-assembled monolayers for protein adsorption. The SERR-spectroscopic and electrochemical performance of this device is demonstrated using the heme protein cytochrome c as a benchmark model system, thereby extending, for the first time, SE(R)R studies of molecules on Au surfaces to excitation in the violet spectral range. The enhancement factor is only slightly lower than for Ag electrodes which can be rationalized in terms of an efficient transfer of plasmon resonance excitation from the Ag to the Au coating. This mechanism, which requires a thin dielectric layer between the two metals, is supported by theoretical calculations.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)298-303
Number of pages6
JournalNano letters
Volume9
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2009
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 19102702