Silver nanoparticles preferentially reduced on PEG-grafted glass surfaces for SERS applications

Silver nanomaterials have been extensively investigated due to their unique optical and biological properties. Surface plasmons and scattering phenomena occurring on silver nanostructures can provide useful analytical or sensor platform. Here, we present silver nanoparticles preferentially reduced on polyethylene glycol (PEG)-grafted glass surfaces for application to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Uniform silver nanoparticles of ∼50 nm size were easily generated by dipping the PEG-grafted glass surfaces in silver salt solution at room temperature without any additional reducing agent. The silver nanoparticles generated on the PEG-grafted surfaces were confirmed by AFM and FE-SEM analysis.

Graphical abstractUniform silver nanoparticles of ∼50 nm size were easily generated by dipping the PEG-grafted glass surfaces in silver salt solution at room temperature without any additional reducing agent.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Uniform silver nanoparticles of 50-nm size can be generated on PEG2000-grafted glass without any additional reducing agents. ► Hydroxy group of PEG spacer plays the role of the reducing agent for formation of silver nanoparticles. ► The length of PEG is an important factor to control the size of sliver nanoparticles.