Applications of surface enhanced Raman scattering to the study of metal-adsorbate interactions

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful technique for characterizing adsorbed species and processes at metallic surfaces. The giant signal enhancement (10(4)-10(6) larger than normal Raman scattering) makes this technique sensitive to even sub-monolayer amounts of adsorbate on a surface. Consequently, the application of SERS to the in situ study of electrochemical processes provides useful mechanistic and structural information. In this review, advantages and limitations of electrochemical SERS techniques are presented along with experimental information about the nature of the metal-adsorbate interactions occurring in various aqueous and non-aqueous systems. Special emphasis is given to experimental results; however, the salient features of the enhancement theories are highlighted. Adsorbate orientation and SERS surface selection rules are discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.