Vertically aligned Ag nanoplate-assembled film as a sensitive and reproducible SERS substrate for the detection of PCB-77

► Vertically aligned Ag nanoplate-assembled film on ITO substrate has been achieved via simple electrodeposition. ► The film shows strong SERS effect with excellent signal reproducibility at randomly chosen spots. ► The film can be used as SERS substrates for rapid detection of PCBs even in mixed solutions of different PCBs. ► After being modified with decanethiol a lower detection limit of 10−7 M PCB-77 has been achieved.