Voltage-manipulating graphene-mediated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (G-SERS): principle and applications

The voltage-controlled graphene-mediated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (G-SERS) spectroscopy is experimentally developing spectral technology, and which is prosperously applied in the fields of ultra-sensitive spectral analysis, sensor and catalysis. In this review, we introduce the physical principle, fabrication method, and recent applications of voltage-controlled G-SERS. We firstly introduce fabrication methods of voltage-controlled G-SERS substrate, based on the hybrid between graphene and noble metal. Secondly, the physical mechanism of voltage-controlled G-SERS is proposed for exploring the advantages of voltage-controlled G-SERS over traditional SERS. The plasmon–exciton coupling for G-SERS substrate is of greatly advantages than SERS substrate enhanced by plasmon only. The plasmon-exciton coupling can result in plexciton, and then G-SERS can also be considered as a kind of plexciton-enhanced Raman scattering (PERS). Thirdly, recent advances of voltage-controlled G-SERS on applications in spectral analysis; sensor and catalysis, especially on surface catalytic reactions, are summarized in detail. This review can not only promote deeper understating of physical principle on voltage-controlled G-SERS, but also promote potential applications in physical, chemical, material, spectral and environmental fields.