A white-emitting ZnO-Au nanocomposite and its SERS applications

► White-emitting ZnO-Au nanocomposites were synthesized by acid etching process. ► Thickness of Au NPs on ZnO surface is dependent on Au deposition time. ► PL of nanocomposites is affected by thickness of Au NPs on ZnO surface. ► ZnO/Au composite can be used as good SERS-active substrates.