Composite material obtained based on track-etched membranes and silver nanoparticles of different shapes

Objectives. To study the effect of shape on the intensity of surface-enhanced Raman light scattering when depositing nanoparticles on track membranes. The resulting composite material can be further used as a substrate for sensors. The efficiency of such sensors is determined by the effect of surface-enhanced Raman scattering of light.

Methods. Silver nanoparticles were obtained by reduction of silver ions in solution under various conditions. Nanoparticles from the obtained colloidal solutions were deposited on polyethylenimine-modified polyethylene terephthalate track-etched membranes. The samples were examined using absorption spectroscopy in the ultraviolet and visible region, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and Raman spectroscopy.

Results. Silver nanoparticles of spherical, triangular, and nanowire shape were synthesized. The sizes and zeta potential of the nanoparticles were determined. The obtained nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of track-etched membranes. For the composite membrane samples, the relative enhancement factors of the Raman light scattering signal of the 4-aminothiophenol test substance were calculated based on the substrate with a known enhancement factor.

Conclusions. The effect of surface-enhanced Raman light scattering was found to be greater when transitioning from spherical to various nonspherical-shaped nanoparticles. The highest value of the relative enhancement factor was 4 · 10⁷ on the composite membrane with silver nanowires.

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