Synthesis of Au@Pd core–shell nanoparticles with controllable size and their application in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2005.04.071
• Publication Date: 2005-05-15T11:13:40Z
• Authors: Jia-Wen Hu; Yong Zhang; Jian-Feng Li; Zheng Liu; Bin Ren; Shi-Gang Sun; Zhong-Qun Tian; Tim Lian
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 620

Abstract Au core Pd shell (Au@Pd) nanoparticles with controllable size from 35 to 100 nm were prepared by chemical deposition of Pd over pre-formed 12 nm Au seeds. Both transmission electron microscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy studies confirmed the core–shell structure of the synthesized nanoparticles. The Au@Pd nanoparticles dispersed on a polished Pt electrode surface exhibit high surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect for the adsorbed pyridine and SCN − . With the aid of the long-range effect of the electromagnetic (EM) enhancement created by the SERS-active Au core underneath the Pd shell, the good quality SERS spectra of adsorbates on the palladium metal overlayer can be obtained. Such kind of SERS-active substrate can be used as an alternative substrate to massive metals for investigating adsorption and reactions occurring on the Pd metal catalyst.