Ag nanowires based SERS substrates with very high enhancement factor

Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) are synthesized using hydrothermal method by maintaining a constant polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP): silver nitrate (AgNO3) molar ratio. The effect of concentration of AgNO3 under constant PVP: AgNO3 ratio on the formation of Ag NWs is examined. The morphological, structural, and optical properties of the obtained Ag NWs are studied using field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, respectively. The elemental analysis of the synthesized samples is carried out using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Ag NWs with an average length of 5 μm are obtained at a higher concentration of AgNO3. The potential of the grown Ag NWs as SERS substrates is explored and a significantly high enhancement factor is acheived.