Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Experiment

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Description

A novel experiment was developed for the Physical Chemistry laboratory that uses Surfaced Enhanced Raman techniques. Raman spectra of molecules adsorbed onto metal colloids have been observed to exhibit a considerable signal enhancement. This effect has been studied repeatedly since its discovery in 1974 and is known as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The signal enhancement aspect of the technique is explored in the colloid experiment that was developed and has been adapted specifically for use in the undergraduate laboratory. It is very well suited for use in undergraduate teaching laboratories due to the simplicity of the colloid preparation and the compatibility with any Raman spectrometer already in use. Using SERS in the physical chemistry laboratory can extend the scope of the Raman theory normally covered in undergraduate physical chemistry by including the concepts of light scattering, surface chemistry, and resonance effects. This experiment was also included in the Physical Chemistry in Practice DVD project.

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