Gold Nanostars: Synthesis, Optical and SERS Analytical Properties

Abstract Gold nanostars are among the most efficient plasmonic nanomaterials for optical sensing with surface enhanced Raman scattering. In recent years, gold nanostars have increased relevance in physics, analytical chemistry, environmental science, biology and medicine, and in particular in sensing and therapy. These colloids can sustain ultrastrong electromagnetic fields which allow their use as single particles optical enhancers; are colloidally stable and may have a marked catalytical activity. Due to their exotic shape, these colloids present characteristic optical and reactive behaviors. Here, we briefly discuss the optical properties, the synthetic routes and the analytical applications of these nanoparticles.