Gold deposition on surfaces using small organic molecules: effects of preparation conditions on morphology and Raman response

Reduction and subsequent deposition of noble metals from simple salt solutions on solid surfaces remains challenging. We describe deposition of gold (nano)-particles from an aqueous chloroauric adic solution on glass and polyethylene surfaces at ambient temperature by adding simple primordial organic molecules. The deposited gold structures showed differences in morphology, size and Raman response across the preparation conditions examined, motivating further investigation of their potential as functional surface coatings with distinct properties for various applications. Green foundation 1 This work examines gold deposition on glass and plastic, hydrophobic and hydrophilic, surfaces using aqueous solutions of simple organic compounds at room temperature; mild reaction conditions relevant to green chemistry. 2 Light and electron microscopy revealed differences in deposit morphology across conditions with different organic compounds and reagent concentrations. 3 Cancer cell and rhodamine 6G Raman measurements were used to explore the potential of the deposited gold structures as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to detect biofilm compounds.