Large-scale, reliable and robust SERS-active nanowire substrates prepared using porous alumina templates

We have developed new concepts and successfully prepared large area, ordered, and compact nanowire arrays for surface-enhanced Raman scattering applications. These nanowire films were synthesized via electrodeposition using porous alumina templates of varying order, thickness and pore diameters. Mechanical polishing has been shown to be a very effective method to prepare nanowire arrays with monodisperse length over comprehensively large dimensions. On the other hand, a convenient synthesis route has been suggested that allows the formation of nanoparticle arrays using very thin and/or large area porous alumina films. It is reckoned that even films with the smallest obtainable pore sizes can be utilized to prepare large area, fine nanoparticle arrays. Such arrays may also find use in other areas, such as solar cells and electrochemistry. Preliminary Raman experiments indicated that the nanowire/nanoparticle arrays are indeed surface-enhanced Raman scattering-active. Finally, the potentials offered by the reported processing methods for fabricating substrates with predictable and high Raman amplifications are discussed.