Synthesis of the dumbbell AuNRs@BCP nanoparticles via UV light-initiated RAFT polymerization-induced self-assembly

Herein, we report a novel method to synthesize the dumbbell AuNRs@BCP nanoparticles via UV light-initiated RAFT polymerization-induced self-assembly in situ. This strategy provides a promising alternative for synthesizing asymmetric inorganic/polymeric hybrid nanoparticles with tunable morphologies. Shape-dependent surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) experiments in dilute dispersions, along with electric field simulations, were conducted. Due to the plasmonic hotspots formed between the AuNRs and BCP domains, the dumbbell AuNRs@BCP nanoparticles were ideal for generating strong and reproducible SERS signals for methyl orange.