SERS-signal optimised AgNPs-plated-ZnO nanoflower-like structure synthesised for sensing applications

Abstract

AgNPs-plated-ZnO nanoflower (NFs)-like structures (Ag@ZnO NFs) with optimised signals were synthesised via wet chemical method at different temperatures (50–80 °C). The enhancement factors (EFs) computed for the resultant Ag@ZnO ranged between 2.36–8.46×107 obtained at the different temperatures using 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP). The achieved EF results indicate Ag@ZnO synthesised at 50 °C gave the best enhancement. It was therefore selected, characterised and used to fabricate a SERS-based nanosensor for the detection of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.87×10−3 μg/L realised.