Ag nanoparticles modified Cu/Cu(OH)2 film enables sensitive SERS detection via Coffee ring effect

In this work, based on the coffee ring effect, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were deposited on a superhydrophobic Cu/Cu(OH)2 substrate with nanorod structure prepared by solution-immersion and stearic acid modification, and its surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance for the detection of trace organic dye was studied. The results show that the superhydrophobic substrate has a better enhancement efficiency. The hybrid hierarchical structure of the AgNPs/Cu/Cu(OH)2 composite film shows a positive effect on the enhanced coupling electromagnetic field. This method provides a simple alternative for monitoring organic chemical pollutants with multi-step fabrication processes and expensive templates.