Research Projects

Plasmonic nanomaterials (NMs) are gaining attention due to their high charge carrier density and unique localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties. These properties, particularly those of defect-induced semiconductor transition metal oxide (TMO) NMs like molybdenum, tungsten, and vanadium-based oxide, offer a broad absorption band from visible to NIR region, making them suitable for Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrates. Unlike noble metal NMs, plasmonic NMs have several advantages, including higher chemical stability, biocompatibility, versatile synthesis methodology, low cost, SERS sensitivity, selectivity, uniformity, and reusability. However, only a few research studies have been conducted to tune the LSPR properties of these NMs. Despite the availability of various methods for their synthesis, few studies have reported SERS sensitivity compared to noble metal NMs without a "hot spot." Additionally, few studies have reported selective SERS sensing. The proposed project aims to design appropriate routes for synthesizing plasmonic TMO-based NMs using various wet chemical syntheses, tunable chemical composition, and mixed metal oxide-sulfide NMs. The project will also analyze their comparative SERS performance, focusing on their SERS performance related to their LSPR properties. The goal is to improve selective SERS performance, improve sensitivity, and understand the probable mechanism of SERS activity.