Multifunctional ZnO/Ag nanorod array as highly sensitive substrate for surface enhanced Raman detection

A multifunctional ZnO/Ag nanorod arrays has been prepared to construct SERS-active and photocatalytic substrate by a hydrothermal method. The morphology, microstructure and optical properties of ZnO/Ag nanorod arrays are characterized by X-ray diffraction spectra, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption and photoluminescence measurement to confirm the successful Ag deposition on the ZnO nanorod arrays. Such arrays exhibit strong and reproducible SERS signals of the Raman probe molecules. The mechanism of SERS enhancement was discussed due to the formation of interfacial electric field between ZnO nanorods and Ag. Furthermore, ZnO/Ag nanorod arrays also show catalytic properties by photocatalytic degradation of target molecules adsorbed to the substrate, which provides promising application for detecting and eliminating organic pollutant.

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► Multifunctional ZnO/Ag nanorod array has been obtained as SERS-active substrate.
► The SERS substrates show excellent sensitivity for probe organic molecules and show excellent photocatalytic properties.
► SERS enhancement has the same mechanism with photocatalytic properties for ZnO/Ag nanorod array.