Reduced graphene oxide−silver nanoparticle composite as an active SERS material

Selectivity and enhanced sensitivity for SERS measurements are highly desirable for environmental and analytical applications. Interaction of a target molecule with SERS substrate plays a pivotal role in determining the magnitude of enhancement and spectral profile of the SERS signal. A reduced graphene oxide–Ag nanoparticle (RGO-Ag NP) composite has been designed to boost SERRS sensitivity of a porphyrin derivative. Complexation between 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridinio)porphyrin tetra(p-toluenesulfonate) (TMPyP) porphyrin and the RGO-Ag NP composite is evidenced by a red-shifted porphyrin absorption band. Results indicate complexation is influential in improved surface-enhanced resonance Raman (SERRS) signal for TMPyP and thus offers an advantage for target molecule detection at low concentration levels. The combined effects of RGO and Ag NPs in the enhancement of SERS signal of TMPyP are discussed.