文摘
The thickness of the gold film and its morphology, including the surface roughness, are very important for gettinga good, reproducible response in the SPR technique.Here, we report a novel alternative approach for preparingSPR-active substrates that is completely solution-based.Our strategy is based on self-assembly of the gold colloidmonolayer on a (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane-modified glass slide, followed by electroless gold plating. Usingthis method, the thickness of films can be easily controlledat the nanometer scale by setting the plating time in thesame conditions. Surface roughness and morphology ofgold films can be modified by both tuning the size of goldnanoparticles and agitation during the plating. Surfaceevolution of the Au film was followed in real time by UV-vis spectroscopy and in situ SPRS. To assess the surfaceroughness and electrochemical stability of the Au films,atomic force microscopy and cyclic voltammetry wereused. In addition, the stability of the gold adhesion isdemonstrated by three methods. The as-prepared Au filmson substrates are reproducible and stable, which allowsthem to be used as electrodes for electrochemical experiments and as platforms for studying SAMs.