B2 peaks in SERS spectra of 4-aminobenzenethiol: A photochemical artifact or a real chemical enhancement?

Han Kyu Choi, Hyun Kyong Shon, Hyunung Yu, Tae Geol Lee, Zee Hwan Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

63 Scopus citations

Abstract

Strong b2 peaks (1142, 1391, 1438, and 1583 cm-1) in the SERS spectra of 4-aminobenzenethiol (ABT) have been regarded by many as a textbook example of chemically enhanced SERS signals. However, this interpretation is in serious doubt after the recent claim that they arise from 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzenes (DMAB) photogenerated during the acquisition of SERS, not the genuine chemically enhanced signals of ABT. Subsequent attempts to prove or disprove this claim have failed to provide any decisive verdict. Here we present spectroscopic and mass spectrometric evidence that further support the photogeneration of DMABs from ABTs on an Ag surface. Furthermore, we show that the amount of the DMAB is sufficient to explain the b2 intensities of ABT.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1079-1086
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Volume4
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 4 2013

Keywords

  • SERS
  • mass spectrometry
  • photochemistry
  • plasmonics
  • vibrational spectroscopy

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