A simple method to understand molecular conformation on surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate

Abstract

Abstract Adsorbent-substrate interaction determines the properties and performance of the interfacial system. The adsorption conformation plays a big role in adsorption, but it is under-researched. Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and other techniques to obtain surface conformation are limited due to their working conditions. In this work, an easy and simple Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) method is developed to study the conformation of adsorbents. A series of SERS substrates under different assembly concentrations show the inconsistent SERS spectrums, resulting in a new finding of molecular conformation different from results before. The double-end adsorption conformation would shed light on the understanding of organic-metal interaction, tribofilm analysis and the development of catalysis. Moreover, this would help to explain the subtle peak variation found in some SERS studies.