Quantifying impact of the low-cost SERS substrate on SERS signal

Abstract

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) allows structural detection of molecules absorbed on rough noble metal surfaces by amplifying a normally weak Raman signal. It can be applied in forensic science, biosensing, food safety, and medical diagnostics [1]. Although costly gold and silver films are used as SERS substrates, AuNPs (gold nanoparticles) on aluminum foil can become a low-cost alternative.