DFT and SERS Study of Adsorption of 1,4-Dimethoxy-2-nitro-3-methylanthracene-9,10-dione onto Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (or spectroscopy), commonly known as SERS, has been employed to investigate the adsorption mechanism and orientation of 1,4-dimethoxy-2-nitro-3-methylanthracene-9,10-dione (DMNMAD) molecule onto silver. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized based on a solution combustion method using citric acid as a fuel. Scanning electron microscopy and transition electron microscopy studies confirm the crystalline nature and morphology of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. Theoretical normal Raman spectra (nRs) and SERS spectra of the DMNMAD molecule, simulated based on DFT/B3PW91 level of theory were validated experimentally. Experimental and theoretical vibrational modes correlate well, confirming the reliable assignments of the vibrational bands. Enhancement of C=O stretching and C–H in-plane vibrational modes in the SERS spectrum indicates the ‘stand-on’ orientation of the molecule on the silver nanoparticles after adsorption. The frontier molecular orbitals confirm the charge transfers between the molecule and silver nanoparticles following the process of adsorption. As anthraquinone derivatives have been recently used as potent anti-tumour drugs, the adsorption studies reported in the current investigation can pave way to the potential application of DMNMAD in drug delivery.