Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy: A Novel Physical Chemistry Experiment for the Undergraduate Laboratory

Raman spectra of molecules adsorbed on metal colloids exhibit large signal enhancements over those of the pure or solution phase samples. This paper presents background information on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and provides details for carrying out an SERS experiment in the undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory. A single system, pyridine on silver, has been adapted from the research literature for use with undergraduates. Instructions for sample preparation, experimental setup, and data analysis are provided in addition to sample spectra.