Application of polyethylene imine (PEI) stabilized gold nanoparticles in surface enhanced Raman (IR) spectroscopy
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) exploits the plasmon effect in the close proximity of noble metal nanostructures leading to a considerable enhancement of Raman scattering cross section (1010-1012 time). Despite to the prevalent applications of SERS technique, however, the relationship between the plasmonic field of the nanostructure and the efficiency of SERS scattering is still under intensive investigation.
In the frame of the joint work, the SERS activity of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) reduced and stabilized by polyethylene imine polyelectrolyte, already synthesized and characterized by the student, will be studied. A training on theory and practical aspects of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is part of the mentoring program. As a first approach, liquid phase SERS experiments with the common para-amino thiophenol (p-ATP) Raman „reporter” are planned. Further aims cover the elaboration of a silica-based solid SERS substratum pointing towards investigation of surface enhanced Raman or IR study of biological samples.
Judith Ilona Mihály, Krisztina Bali