SERS Observation of the Adsorption Behavior of O2, H2O, and SO2 on Silver Powder Surfaces at Nearly Real Environmental Conditions

Abstract

The interaction of O2, H2O, and SO2 on silver powder prepared from the reduction of AgNO3 by NaBH4 was studied by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) at room temperature. The presence of H2O of about 103 Pa and O2 of about 104-105 Pa was necessary for observation of SERS peaks of SO32− and SO42−. The superoxide ion O2- was observed under high partial pressure for O2 conditions. SERS peaks of atomic oxygen, superoxide ion O2-, SO32−, and SO42− disappeared on evacuation. SERS peaks of surface species such as Ag2O did not disappear on evacuation.