Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of EDOT and PEDOT on silver and gold nanoparticles

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and its monomer 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) on Ag and Au nanoparticles presenting different morphologies and stabilizing agents have been obtained using the excitation radiation at 633 nm. The SERS spectra of the monomer and polymer are strongly dependent both on the metal and capping agent of the substrate. SERS spectra of EDOT on Au nanospheres indicates that adsorption occurs with the thiophene ring perpendicular to the metal surface. In contrast, polymerization takes place on the silver surface of Ag nanospheres. EDOT adsorption on Ag nanoprisms with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as capping agent occurs similarly to that observed on gold. Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) spectra of PEDOT on gold nanostars that present a thick layer of PVP show no chemical interaction of PEDOT with the metal surface; however, when PEDOT is adsorbed on citrate stabilized gold nanospheres, the SERRS spectra suggest that thiophene rings are perpendicular to the surface. Oxidation of PEDOT also is observed on Ag nanospheres. The investigation of the interface between PEDOT and metal surface is crucial for the development in polymer-based optoelectronic devices since this interface plays a crucial role in their stability and performance.