ABSTRACT
This chapter shows high surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS) amplification of a composite nanostructure made of silver (Ag) nanoplatelets (NPs) as SERS enhancers adsorbed on GaN nanowires (NWs). SERS is a technique to observe analytes such as molecules, polymers, or biological materials at low concentration per surface area by high amplification of the Raman signal. Every molecule has its unique Raman spectrum, which makes SERS a powerful tool for detection. The SERS technique was used to detect a variety of analytes from pollutants and explosives to biological matter such as cancer cells and viruses. Size and morphology of the Ag NPs are the main factors which determine the intensity of the SERS signal. SERS technique is feasible for the analytical detection of various substrates such as biological materials and for environmental analysis. SERS has been applied in environmental science for trace analysis of pollutants in water, soil, and the atmosphere.
