Improving surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties of TiO2 nanoparticles by metal Co doping

• Co doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized and served as SERS-active substrate.
• Co2+ ions doping can remarkably improve the SERS properties of TiO2 nanoparticles.
• Abundant metal doping energy levels can be formed in TiO2 energy gap by Co doping.
• Doping levels promote TiO2-to-molecule CT and additional SERS of adsorbed molecules.

In this paper, pure and different amount Co ions doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol–hydrothermal method and were served as SERS-active substrate. The effect of metal Co doping on SERS properties of TiO2 nanoparticles was mostly investigated. The results indicate that abundant metal doping energy levels can be formed in the energy gap of TiO2 by an appropriate amount Co ions doping, which can promote the charge transfer from TiO2 to molecule, and subsequently enhance SERS signal of adsorbed molecule on TiO2 substrate, and improve remarkably SERS properties of TiO2 nanoparticles.

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