Synthesis of SERS active Ag ₂S nanocrystals using oleylamine as solvent, reducing agent and stabilizer

Semiconductor Ag ₂S nanocrystals have been prepared via a facile solution growth method, in which AgNO ₃ and sulfur (S) powder are used as precursors, oleylamine is used and can function as both reducing agent and stabilizer during the synthetic process. The experimental results demonstrate that the as-synthesized Ag ₂S nanocrystals, which have uniform size are monoclinic Ag ₂S. Furthermore, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum of rhodamine 6G can be obtained on the Ag ₂S nanocrystals modified substrate, indicating novel optical response of Ag ₂S nanocrystals. The SERS effect of Ag ₂S nanocrystals should attract much interest in fundamental physics as well as device application points of view.