Composite silicate films with gold nanoparticles for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: synthesis using natural products

Hybrid organic–inorganic films containing gold nanoparticles were obtained by the sol–gel method by hydrolytic polycondensation of tetraethoxysilane in aqueous solutions of honey containing HAuCl4 with an acidic catalyst (HCl). The films were examined by absorption and Raman spectroscopy (RS), transmission electron microscopy, and atomic-force scanning microscopy. It was shown that enhancement (3–5 times) of the Raman spectra is observed in the region of gold nanoparticle aggregates, and this predetermines the potential of such materials as supports for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.