Gold Nanostars as Reproducible Substrates for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Emren Nalbant-Esenturk and A. R. Hight Walker

Optical Technology Division, Physics Laboratory

Anisotropic metallic nanoparticles have unique optical properties, which lend them to applications such as Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). Branched and star-shaped gold nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous phase by seed-mediated growth and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy. SERS measurements for 2-mercaptopyridine (2-MPy) adsorbed on aggregated gold nanostars show a larger enhancement than 2-MPy on spherical Au nanoparticles of the similar size. The utility of nanostars for the enhancement of other molecules such as DNA bases and dyes have also been investigated. The synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic findings will be presented.

Author Information:

Name: Emren Nalbant-Esenturk

Mentor's name: Angela R. Hight Walker

Division: Optical Technology, 844

Laboratory: Physics

Building/Room: 216/B225

Mail Stop: 8443

Telephone #: 301-975-8241

Fax #: 301-975-6991

Email: emren.nalbant-esenturk@nist.gov

Sigma Xi: not a member

Category: Physics