Fabrication of silver nanoparticles deposited on boehmite sol for surface enhanced Raman scattering

The composite consisting of silver nanoparticles deposited on boehmite hybrid was synthesized by NaBH4 reduction technique. The morphology of the composite was studied by TEM, UV/Vis spectrophotometer and particle sizer. The size of the silver nanoparticles deposited on the surface of the boehmite ranged from 10 nm to 100 nm. The contact of silver nanoparticles increased by means of deposition of silver nanoparticles on the boehmite sol and the aggregation of the composites. This leads to the appearance of a shoulder at 450 nm in the UV-Vis absorption spectra with the addition of 0.15 mg and 1.5 mg boehmite. It was found that the intensity of the SERS in the case of the composite was higher than for silver colloids consisting of a concentration of silver greater than 3.2 mM.

► The relationship between the SERS of composite and its surface morphology was examined. ► The addition of boehmite only became effective when the concentration of Ag is increased. ► The addition of moderate amount of boehmite sol promoted the contact between the Ag nanoparticles. ► Structure comprises of networks and is responsible for SERS improvement compared to no boehmite.