SERS-active surfaces based on gold colloidal nanoparticles attached to silanized glass plates were prepared and characterized by surface plasmon extinction (SPE) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) was found to be more efficient in the silanization process than mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS).
Reproducibility and stability of substrates were tested by measurement of SERRS spectra of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin (TMPyP). Spectra measured from different spots of a sample showed excellent reproducibility and proved high homogeneity of the Au surface.
Measurement of several days aged samples revealed very good stability of the SERRS signal in time.