Effect of nanostructured silicon on surface enhanced Raman scattering

Non-metallic materials are often employed in SERS systems by forming composite structures with SERS-active metal materials. However, the role of the non-metallic structures in these composites and the effect of them on the SERS enhancement are still unclear. Herein, we studied the effect of silicon morphology on SERS enhancement on silver nanoparticles-coated different structured silicon surfaces. Our finding will help to further understand the SERS mechanism and pave the way for making more efficient SERS systems.