Tuning Ag content in AuAg nanosponges for superior SERS detection

Abstract Au Ag nanosponges have been investigated by previous research, however, SERS performance of the material has not been studied systematically. Herein, experiments with different Ag deposition cycle durations (up to 12 cycles) were conducted to obtain substrates with varying Ag content. Rhodamine 6G and (Bu 4 N) 2 [Ru(dcbpyH) 2 -(NCS) 2 ] were used to investigate the SERS performance of different substrates. The most intense enhancement Raman spectrum was observed on Au Ag hybrid nanosponges substrate after 1 cycle of Ag deposition. The peak intensities of R6G and N719 on the substrate reach 25 and 7 times higher values, respectively, than those on Au Ag alloy nanoparticles substrate.