Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy: Current Understanding, Challenges, and Opportunities

While surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has experienced substantial advancements since its discovery in the 1970s, it is an opportunity to celebrate achievements, consider ongoing endeavors, and anticipate the future trajectory of SERS. In this perspective, we encapsulate the latest breakthroughs in comprehending the electromagnetic enhancement mechanisms of SERS, and revisit CT mechanisms of semiconductors. We then summarize the strategies to improve sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability. After addressing experimental advancements, we comprehensively survey the progress on spectrum-structure correlation of SERS showcasing their important role in promoting SERS development. Finally, we anticipate forthcoming directions and opportunities, especially in deepening our insights into chemical or biological processes and establishing a clear spectrum-structure correlation.