Tip-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) is a nanoscale chemical analysis and imaging method with a spatial resolution of <10 nm, even at ambient conditions. TERS relies on the enhancement of the local electromagnetic field by a plasmonic metal nanostructure that is scanned over the sample by means of a scanning probe microscope, using either AFM or STM feedback. Analogous to SERS, the local electromagnetic field of Raman scattered light is enhanced by many orders of magnitude in TERS. However, the study of sensitive materials with TERS is not straightforward, partially due to sample degradation.
The working principle, experimental realization, and capabilities of TERS will first be presented. We will then discuss recent applications of TERS to the spatially resolved chemical analysis and imaging of molecular systems. Examples from recent TERS studies in our laboratory will be chosen, focusing on catalysis, catalyst poisoning, active sites and reactive intermediates on catalyst surfaces, as well as their spatial arrangements leading to reaction.
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