Recyclable SERS substrates based on Fe2O3–Ag hybrid hollow microspheres with crumpled surfaces†
Abstract
Fe2O3–Ag hollow microspheres (FAHMs) with crumpled surfaces were prepared by solvothermal treatment with post-calcination. The as-prepared hybrid microspheres were first used as an active substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of a small molecule, 4-aminobenzenethiol (4-ABT), and an enhancement factor of 9.6 × 104 was achieved. In addition, the FAHMs provided photocatalytic activity to the absorbed 4-ABT after exposure to visible light for 5 min and can be recycled five times without a decrease in the SERS performance. Furthermore, the prepared FAHMs are also a possible substrate for macromolecule ricin and the recyclability can be achieved by water activation.