Hierarchical structure of SERS substrates possessing the silver ring morphology

Nanostructured silver coatings for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy possessing a hierarchic ring morphology were prepared via the superficial decomposition of ultrasonic mist of aqueous diamminesilver(I) hydroxide free of reducing agents and non-volatile pollutants. These materials are explored in terms of their processing, morphology, and functional SERS applications.