Synthesis of flower-like silver nanoparticles for SERS application

In this paper, our purpose is to synthesis a new flower-like silver nanoparticles structure by using Ferrocene (FeCp2) as the reducing agent. Ferrocene is an aromatic compound which is stable to temperature as high as 400°C. Particles within overall range 500-900 nm in diameter were synthesized from silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) which is acted as a capping agent. A sample of the silver particles was obtained by centrifugation with ultrapure water several times and then the particle was dispersed in ethanol. Aggregations of particles within diameter range of 500-850 nm were obtained which is shown in Fig. 1. Different amount of AgNO₃ were used to synthesis and the silver particle was obtained by centrifugation with ethanol, then it was dispersed in ethanol. Different particular shapes of flower-like structure were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) shown in Fig.2. These particles have a highly roughened surface which consists of many irregular and randomly arranged protrusions.