Synthesis of SERS active Ag2S nanocrystals using oleylamine as solvent, reducing agent and stabilizer

Semiconductor Ag2S nanocrystals have been prepared via a facile solution growth method, in which AgNO3 and sulfur (S) powder are used as precursors, oleylamine is used and can function as both reducing agent and stabilizer during the synthetic process. The experimental results demonstrate that the as-synthesized Ag2S nanocrystals, which have uniform size are monoclinic Ag2S. Furthermore, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum of rhodamine 6G can be obtained on the Ag2S nanocrystals modified substrate, indicating novel optical response of Ag2S nanocrystals. The SERS effect of Ag2S nanocrystals should attract much interest in fundamental physics as well as device application points of view.

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► Semiconductor Ag2S nanocrystals have been prepared via solution growth method.
► Oleylamine functions as both reducing agent and stabilizer in the synthetic process.
► The as-synthesized Ag2S nanocrystals can be used as substrate for SERS detection.
► The SERS effect of Ag2S nanocrystals has great potential in optical detection.