Effect of Etching on the Optical, Morphological Properties of Ag Thin Films for SERS Active Substrates

Figure 3

(a) FESEM images show complete agglomeration in 60 nm Ag thin film. (b) FESEM image of 60 nm Ag film etched for 20 s with diluted HNO₃ in atmosphere, showing Iceland separation and agglomeration. (c) As-prepared Ag thin films EDS spectrum. (d) After etching EDS spectrum.

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