Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy: Principles, Methods, and Applications in Energy Systems†

Comprehensive SummarySurface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has advanced significantly since its inception. Numerous experimental and theoretical efforts have been made to understand the SERS effect and demonstrate its potential. Due to its extremely high sensitivity and selectivity and ability to provide molecular fingerprint information, SERS has a wide range of applications in surface and interfacial chemistry, energy, materials, biomedicine, environmental analysis, etc. This review aims to provide readers with an understanding of the principles, methodologies, and applications of SERS. We briefly introduce the fundamental theory of the SERS enhancement mechanism and summarize the details of the preparation of SERS-active substrates. Recent applications of SERS in energy systems are then highlighted, including probing surface reactions and interfacial charge transfer of batteries and electrocatalysts. Finally, the challenges and prospects of SERS research are discussed.

Automated summary

This review provides an overview of the progress and applications of Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). It covers the principles, methodologies, and preparation techniques of SERS, with a focus on its applications in energy systems. The review also discusses the challenges and prospects of SERS research.