Surface‑enhanced Raman scattering gold nanoplatelets synthesized using extracts of the Cercis Canadensis flower

This research presents a novel, eco-friendly synthesis method for creating anisotropic gold nanoplatelets (AuNPt) optimized for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. Using organic extracts from Cercis Canadensis (Eastern Redbud), researchers replaced toxic cationic surfactants, reducing the environmental impact of traditional AuNPt production. The nanoplatelets demonstrated enhanced SERS performance, showing a 17.142-fold increase in peak intensity, enabling effective detection of analytes like para-nitrothiophenol (pNTP) across both liquid and solid phases. This method not only allows high-yield synthesis of plasma-etched, highly anisotropic AuNPt but also positions these particles as sustainable alternatives for chemical sensing