Abstract
Semiconducting ZnO was used as a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate without needing to combine it with novel metal particles. An interesting synergistic effect in the Raman scattering of ZnO nanoparticles and CNTs was observed due to the vibrational force of Zn and O atoms in the Zn-O system of ZnO nanoparticles and the special deformation of CNTs in the SERS fiber. The convenient deformation of CNTs allowed a large number of carbon atoms in the planar direction, such as a graphene sheet, and facilitated the planar vibrations of sp(2) carbon atoms, leading to a considerable increase in the G and 2D band intensity. A new radial breathing mode (RBM) peak was activated by the radial polarization of CNTs through the vibration force of Zn and O atoms in the Zn-O system in its radial direction. The cross-section cutting 3D image of the SERS fiber revealed the CNTs to be rearranged geometrically in the SERS fiber and formed a bunched structure because of the enhanced interactions among the individual CNTs via ZnO nanoparticles. This highlights a new dimension of research into ZnO nanomaterials and CNTs in SERS fibers and provides new insights into ZnO-CNT fiber composites.