Preparation of a nanocomposite film from poly(diallydimethyl ammonium chloride) and gold nanoparticles by in-situ electrochemical reduction, and its application to SERS spectroscopy and sensing of ascorbic acid

A nanocomposite film is described that is composed of alternating layers of poly(diallydimethyl ammonium chloride) and gold nanoparticles that interact through electrostatic forces. The films of varying thickness were prepared by the layer-by-layer technique, and Au-NPs were generated by electrochemical reduction of hexachloroauric acid. The composite films were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Most nanocomposite films exhibit linear, uniform, and regular layer-by-layer growth during the process of formation. The films exhibit unique performance in terms of surface enhanced Raman scattering and electrocatalytic activitiy towards the oxidation of ascorbic acid.