Master's thesis of Science: (Ti{O_2}) based long-range ordered crystals (LROCs) for recyclable SERS applications

The objective of this project was to develop (Ti{O_2}) based multifunctional substrates through silver decoration, while simultaneously enhancing the photocatalytic performance of (Ti{O_2}) in the substrate. Employing Ag nanoparticles introduced additional functionality to the system, namely surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), thus enabling the detection of trace amounts of organic molecules prior to their degradation, all with the same substrate. Furthermore, Ag also formed Schottky junctions with (Ti{O_2}) thus increasing the electron-hole lifetime, as evidenced by the relatively higher photocatalytic activity of the composites.