Abstract
A modular microfluidic platform was used to continuously synthesize urchin-like Au nanoparticles (Au NPs). In contrast to conventional methods, the particles synthesized via this flow chemistry have protruding surfaces that make the formation of hot spots in plasmonic. The microfluidic platform enables the continuous synthesis of Au NPs with reproducibility and uniformity within a short reaction time. The optical properties of the Au NPs were characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy, and particle size and distribution were evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to confirm the surface morphology and size of the Au NPs. Raman spectroscopy shows surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) which enhancement factor (EF) was 4.01×106. These results suggest that this microfluidic synthesis approach can be applied to fabricate of morphologically controlled metal nanoparticles that can be able to applicable to optical sensors.
Keywords: flow chemistry;plasmonic nanoparticle;lab on a chip;LSPR;SERS