Surface- and Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy in Catalysis

Abstract

Surface- and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS and TERS) techniques exhibit highly localized chemical sensitivity, making them ideal for studying chemical reactions, including processes at catalytic surfaces. Catalyst structures, adsorbates, and reaction intermediates can be observed in low quantities at hot spots where electromagnetic fields are the strongest, providing ample opportunities to elucidate reaction mechanisms. Moreover, under ideal measurement conditions, it can even be used to trigger chemical reactions. However, factors such as substrate instability and insufficient signal enhancement still limit the applicability of SERS and TERS in the field of catalysis. By the use of sophisticated colloidal synthesis methods and advanced techniques, such as shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, these challenges could be overcome.

Advances in surface-enhanced vibrational spectroscopy at electrochemical interfaces

“…A significant issue that has precluded widespread uptake of TERS relates to the reliable fabrication and availability of suitable probes [118,121], although recent advances have improved the measurement and understanding of enhancement factors [122,123] as well as probe degradation mechanisms [124]. Despite these challenges, the potential of TERS for studying surface reactions in situ is well-recognised and advances have been demonstrated in a number of cases [125][126][127][128][129].…”

Thermally Stable TiO2‐ and SiO2‐Shell‐Isolated Au Nanoparticles for In Situ Plasmon‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Hydrogenation Catalysts

“…Additionally, oxide coatings provide improved thermal stability and inertness. These features, combined with the possibility to anchor solid catalysts to the surface, make SHINERS an interesting characterization technique for heterogeneous catalysis research . An important step forward in the development of SHINERS in catalysis was recently realized by Tian et al.…”

Tip in–light on: Advantages, challenges, and applications of combining AFM and Raman microscopy on biological samples

“…Several examples of the potential of TERS in biological samples have been demonstrated, although mainly on rather simple biological systems (Bailo and Deckert, ; Budich et al, ; Chan and Kazarian, ; Cowcher et al, ; Deckert‐Gaudig and Deckert, ; Hartman et al, ; Neugebauer et al, ; Schmid et al, ; Sharma et al, ; vandenAkker et al, ; Wood et al, ).…”