Anisotropic Ag@Au architectures through real-time surface-based strategy of synthesis: Large-area enhanced nanosensors
Résumé
Here, we report an innovative facile polymer-templated synthesis of Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) on
large surface for sensing. By controlling the reaction kinetics, the bimetallic nanoparticles have been successfully
prepared with a variety of structures: heterostructures, eccentric core-shells, and physical mixtures of two metals.
The amount and initial shape of the Au seeds determined the final architectures of bimetallic nanostructures. The
underlying synthesis mechanism of BNPs was regulated by a seed-mediated growth (SMG) on the surface. The
newly formed Ag atoms were directed to selectively nucleate and then epitaxially grow on specific facets of
cubic/hexagonal Au seeds. Comprehensive results demonstrating an optical response of two metallic/poly
(methyl methacrylate) (M+/PMMA) layers on opaque surfaces by micro-extinction measurements were obtained.
Sensors based on anisotropic bimetallic substrates were ideal for sensitive 4,4′ -bipyridine (4,4’-BP) detection.
The polymer surface-induced accumulation of high electric fields on nanoscale sensing volumes of anisotropic
core/shell BNPs allowed more analyte molecules to access their high-index facets. This sample possessed a high
surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensitivity despite only being validated on very small densities of
surfaces; thanks to the synergistic effects between the two coupled metals. The present findings suggest that a
surfactant-free synthesis can be used as a powerful mean of defining growth strategies based on silicon substrate
platforms.