Plasmonic nanostructures based on synthesized silver nanowires: fabrication and functionalization with formic acid

This study describes the fabrication of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates based on silver nanowires (Ag NWs) synthesized by the polyol method and subsequently treated with formic acid (FA). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) images were analyzed using a custom-developed algorithm. The effect of FA treatment on Ag NWs was investigated using Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Enhanced Raman signals of methylene blue (MB) and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (BPE) were demonstrated for both synthesized and commercial nanowires before and after FA treatment. The results indicate that FA treatment improves the plasmonic properties of Ag NWs.