Multifunctional Ag-decorated g-C3N4 nanosheets as recyclable SERS substrates for CV and RhB detection

In this study, g-C3N4/Ag hybrid nanostructures were fabricated by facilely decorating silver nanoparticles on atmosphere-treated g-C3N4 and served as efficient SERS-active substrates. The observed significant SERS enhancement of crystal violet (CV) molecules on g-C3N4/Ag could be attributed to the high ability to concentrate target molecules through π–π stacking interactions and the near-field enhancement caused by the boosting SPR effect of the Ag NPs. The atmosphere and calcination time have a considerable impact on the SERS enhancement effect of the g-C3N4/Ag substrate. Furthermore, it took only 10 min to degrade dye molecules under visible light, and after 6 cycles the g-C3N4/Ag substrates still maintained sensitive SERS activity. This research indicates that g-C3N4/Ag hybrids can be applied as reusable SERS substrates.