In situ green synthesis of graphene-based material nanocomposites decorated with silver and gold nanoparticles for improved SERS sensing

The synthesis of graphene-based material nanocomposites incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) represents a significant advancement in materials science, particularly in the realm of biomedical applications. Various synthetic methods have been developed to fabricate these composites, aiming at enhancing their properties for diverse applications such as diagnostics and therapeutics. Here proposes an alternative approach that employs mechanical exfoliation of graphite in an aqueous surfactant system, aided by the use of Anemopsis californica extract as a stabilizing agent. The subsequent in situ green synthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs using the extract facilitates the formation of nanocomposites, where the nanoparticles adhere to the graphene-based material surface with the assistance of A. californica compounds. Characterization techniques including UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, SEM-EDS, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy confirm the successful synthesis and homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles on the graphene-based material substrate. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis demonstrates the remarkable enhancement in Raman signals of molecules adsorbed on the nanocomposites, particularly for AuNPs/G, indicating their potential for sensitive detection applications. The synergistic interplay between graphene-based material and noble metal nanoparticles offers enhanced sensitivity and detection limits in SERS analysis, positioning these nanocomposites as promising candidates for a wide range of applications including chemical sensing, environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and forensic investigations. The study sheds light on the role of A. californica extract in green synthesis processes and opens avenues for further exploration in the development of advanced nanomaterials for diverse applications.