Surface enhanced Raman scattering of molecules in metallic nanogaps

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a highly sensitive vibrational spectroscopy that allows for structural determination of analytes with utmost resolution. SERS remarkable sensitivity and non-destructive nature has been quickly embraced by the scientific community having a great impact in a number of fields such as: analytical chemistry; surface science; biochemistry and medicine among others. Here we present a contemporary review of SERS with a focus on studies conducted in metallic nano-sized cavities: junctions within nanoparticle assemblies, nano-engineered substrates, sphere–plane structures, electrodes, and molecular junctions. A brief introduction to the field and the underlying mechanisms responsible for the enhanced Raman scattering is provided. The most recent developments in the use of SERS-active nanogaps for single-molecule SERS studies are discussed in detail. Finally, the future prospects of the field are briefly discussed.

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