The SERS effect in coordination chemistry

In gold nanoparticles, coherent oscillations of the electrons in resonance with the exciting radiation generate enhanced local electric fields which can interact with the molecular properties of the adsorbed species, leading to the occurrence of SERS (surface enhanced Raman scattering). In this way, a special kind of spectroscopy is enabled, combining electronic excitation, plasmonics, anomalous light scattering, charge-transfer and resonance Raman phenomena, opening wide perspectives in chemistry, biology, and nanotechnology. The molecular properties probed by SERS reflect the coordination chemistry at the nanoparticles surface, especially the nature of the metal-ligand bonding and the spectroscopic features. By employing selective, multifunctional bridging ligands for simultaneously binding metal ions and nanoparticles, new relevant aspects of the coordination chemistry involved can be investigated under the influence of the plasmon resonance and SERS effects.