NSF-RUI: Core-Shell Nanostructures for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy

Western Washington University, Bellingham WA

Investigators

Abstract

The Analytical and Surface Chemistry (ASC) program of the Division of Chemistry will support the research program of Prof. Steven Emory of Western Washington University, a primarily undergraduate research institution (RUI). Prof. Emory and his students will develop and characterize a new class of core-shell nanoparticles and use them as substrates for analytical applications of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. This work will capitalize on recent developments in nanoparticle synthetic methods and SERS spectroscopy. The knowledge and tools developed in this project will advance the analytical utility and fundamental understanding of the SERS phenomenon and could potentially lead to the development of a new generation of biosensors. The study will provide excellent training opportunities to undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who wish to train in a research field interfacing between chemistry and biology.