A convenient approach to synthesize silver nanoshell covered functionalized polystyrene beads: A substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering

The synthesis of ultra-thin silver nanoshell on anionic polystyrene bead has been reported from specific silver precursor [Ag(NH3)2]+ primarily through ion exchange mechanism. The particles were characterized by SEM, EDX, XPS and XRD analysis. Finally, the particles were exploited as a solid substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering study using crystal violet as a Raman probe.