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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > January  >
In the Laboratory
Use of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy in Inorganic Syntheses for an Upper-Level Exploratory Lab
Caryn S. Seney, Joshua C. Yelverton, Sharon Eanes, Vikas Patel, Julia Riggs, and Sarah Wright
Department of Chemistry, Mercer University, Macon GA 31207

Robin M. Bright
Department of Chemistry, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA 31030

Cover
January 2007
Vol. 84 No. 1
p. 132

Abstract
The guided synthesis and partial characterization of Ag and Au nanoparticles using UV–vis and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopies (SERS) is described in this article. The experiment asks students to search literature for a synthetic preparation for Au and Ag nanoparticles, for organic molecules to adsorb to the nanoparticles, and for routes to characterize their nanoparticles and nanoparticles conjugates. After successful synthesis as determined by UV–vis absorption peaks has been achieved, students bind organic molecules (ones in which literature has proven to bind to Au and Ag nanoparticles) to the nanoparticles in solution. Once binding has been determined via a slight shift in the original nanoparticles' UV–vis absorption peak, students determine SERS activity through use of a modular Raman system that uses a 514.5-nm Ar+ laser. The experiment may be modified depending on instructor preference to focus on one of three areas: inorganic syntheses (Au and Ag nanoparticles), investigating the site through which functional groups of organic molecules bind, or investigating enhancement factors of different metallic nanoparticles by SERS. These studies can be achieved within five to six, three-hour laboratory periods.
Supplement
Some nanoparticles preparations, notes for the instructor, and a protocol for the lab report are available.
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Citation
Seney, Caryn S.; Yelverton, Joshua C.; Eanes, Sharon; Patel, Vikas; Riggs, Julia; Wright, Sarah; Bright, Robin M. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 132.
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Keywords
Analytical Chemistry; Colloids; Laboratory Instruction; Surface Science
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
12/5/2006
3/20/2007
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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