Next Article in Journal
Magnetic, Dielectric, Electrical, Optical and Thermal Properties of Crystalline Materials
Previous Article in Journal
Uncommon Cold-Rolling Faults in an Fe–Mn–Si–Cr Shape-Memory Alloy
Previous Article in Special Issue
Pressure-Induced Neutral to Ionic Phase Transition in TTF-Fluoranil, DimethylTTF-Fluoranil and DimethylTTF-Chloranil: A Comparative THz Raman Study
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Editorial

Raman Spectroscopy of Crystalline Materials and Nanostructures

by
Bernardo A. Nogueira
1,2,* and
Chiara Castiglioni
3,*
1
International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, P-4715-330 Braga, Portugal
2
CQC, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, P-3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
3
CMIC, Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Crystals 2024, 14(3), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14030251
Submission received: 28 February 2024 / Accepted: 1 March 2024 / Published: 3 March 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Raman Spectroscopy of Crystalline Materials and Nanostructures)
One of the biggest challenges in the field of material science lies in understanding the structure and behavior of crystalline materials and nanostructures. In this regard, Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful technique enabling the probing of molecular vibrations and offering invaluable structural information on molecular materials. The Special Issue on “Raman Spectroscopy of Crystalline Materials and Nanostructures” aims to shed light on novel and groundbreaking developments in this field, highlighting the central role that Raman spectroscopy has played in unraveling the mysteries of crystalline materials and nanostructures across diverse domains.

1. Advancements in Raman Spectroscopy

The Raman effect was initially discovered by Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman and Kariamanikkam Srinivasa Krishnan in 1928 [1]. C. V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 “for his work on the scattering of light and for the discovery of the effect named after him”. However, it has only been in recent decades, especially since the 1970s, that significant advancements in Raman spectroscopy instrumentation and techniques have broadened its usefulness in characterizing crystalline materials and nanostructures. In particular, the development of lasers and high-resolution Raman spectrometers with advanced data analysis algorithms has enabled the precise identification and characterization of subtle structural variations at the nanoscale [2]. Furthermore, the incorporation of new techniques, such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) and Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS), has facilitated the examination of materials with enhanced sensitivity and spatial resolution [3]. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy enables the study of materials under a wide range of conditions, from vacuum to high pressures, cryogenic and high temperatures, and under the influence magnetic and electric fields. New experimental set-ups which exploit near-field microscopy allow the Raman mapping of material surfaces, also in conjunction with other local probes such as AFM/STM. These advancements have put Raman spectroscopy at the forefront of material characterization techniques, enabling researchers to obtain unprecedented insights into the structural characteristics of various materials.

2. Characterization of Crystalline Materials

Raman spectroscopy is a versatile tool for the characterization of crystalline materials, providing information on their lattice vibrations, phonon modes, and crystal symmetry. Hence, by analyzing the Raman spectra of crystalline materials, it is possible to identify crystal phases, evaluate crystallinity, and detect defects or impurities [4]. Moreover, the ability of Raman spectroscopy to probe local structural variations makes it particularly well suited to studying heterostructures and interfaces within crystalline materials [5]. The non-destructive nature of Raman spectroscopy further enhances its effectiveness in the characterization of delicate crystalline samples, making it an indispensable tool in material science research. Raman measurements in polarized light provide invaluable information on a crystal’s structure and symmetry when single crystals are available and state-of-the-art modeling of the Raman response is performed [6].

3. Exploring Nanostructures

Advancements in nanotechnology have paved the way for a new era of material design and engineering, where the properties of materials can be tailored at the nanoscale for enhanced performance and functionality. In this field, Raman spectroscopy not only offers the possibility to elucidate the structural and vibrational properties of nanostructures, but it also provides insights into their size, shape, composition, and surface properties [7]. From carbon-based nanostructures such as graphene and carbon nanotubes to semiconductor nanostructures like quantum dots and nanowires, Raman spectroscopy provides a wealth of information crucial for understanding their behavior and optimizing their properties for various applications [8]. Additionally, Raman imaging techniques can spatially map nanostructures with high resolution, facilitating the study of their distribution and interactions within complex systems [9]. Hence, the ability to characterize nanostructures with precision and sensitivity positions Raman spectroscopy as an indispensable tool in the expanding field of nanotechnology.

4. Applications

The applications of Raman spectroscopy in the realm of crystalline materials and nanostructures are diverse and far-reaching, as evidenced in the present Special Issue. Indeed, the twelve works published here span various areas of application, from quantum and nonlinear optics to magnetic and electric field devices, optoelectronics, conservation-heritage, and pharmaceutical fields. As fundamental research, the manuscripts in this Special Issue clearly demonstrate the utility of Raman spectroscopy in studying crystal morphology, crystal growth, and crystallization kinetics, investigating phase transition and cocrystals, and examining the surfaces and reactivity of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the articles in this Special Issue feature a range of Raman techniques, including polarized Raman, resonance Raman, THz Raman, and SERS, showcasing the high level of technological development in Raman spectroscopy. Complementary investigations with various other physical–chemical techniques and quantum chemical calculations are also included within the articles in this Special Issue.
In conclusion, Raman spectroscopy stands as a cornerstone technique in the characterization of crystalline materials and nanostructures. Through continuous advancements and innovative applications, as demonstrated in the articles published here, Raman spectroscopy continues to drive progress across diverse scientific disciplines, paving the way for transformative discoveries and technological breakthroughs.

Author Contributions

All authors have equally contributed. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Raman, C.V.; Krishnan, K.S. A New Type of Secondary Radiation. Nature 1928, 121, 501–502. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. Smith, E.; Dent, G. Modern Raman Spectroscopy: A Practical Approach; John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ, USA, 2004. [Google Scholar]
  3. Le Ru, E.C.; Blackie, E.; Meyer, M.; Etchegoin, P.G. Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Enhancement Factors: A Comprehensive Study. J. Phys. Chem. C 2007, 111, 13794–13803. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Ferrari, A.; Basko, D. Raman spectroscopy as a versatile tool for studying the properties of graphene. Nat. Nanotechnol. 2013, 8, 235–246. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  5. Cong, X.; Liu, X.-L.; Lin, M.-L.; Tan, P.-H. Application of Raman spectroscopy to probe fundamental properties of two-dimensional materials. npj 2D Mater. Appl. 2020, 4, 13. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Nogueira, A.B.; Rérat, M.; Fausto, R.; Castiglioni, C.; Dovesi, R. Raman activity of the longitudinal optical phonons of the LiNbO3 crystal: Experimental determination and quantum mechanical simulation. J. Raman Spectrosc. 2022, 53, 1904–1914. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Dresselhaus, M.S.; Jorio, A.; Hofmann, M.; Dresselhaus, G.; Saito, R. Perspectives on carbon nanotubes and graphene Raman spectroscopy. Nano Lett. 2010, 10, 751–758. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  8. Wu, J.B.; Lin, M.L.; Cong, X.; Liu, H.N.; Tan, P.H. Raman spectroscopy of graphene-based materials and its applications in related devices. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2018, 47, 1822–1873. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  9. Chernenko, T.; Matthäus, C.; Milane, L.; Quintero, L.; Amiji, M.; Diem, M. Label-free Raman spectral imaging of intracellular delivery and degradation of polymeric nanoparticle systems. ACS Nano 2009, 3, 3552–3559. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Nogueira, B.A.; Castiglioni, C. Raman Spectroscopy of Crystalline Materials and Nanostructures. Crystals 2024, 14, 251. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14030251

AMA Style

Nogueira BA, Castiglioni C. Raman Spectroscopy of Crystalline Materials and Nanostructures. Crystals. 2024; 14(3):251. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14030251

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nogueira, Bernardo A., and Chiara Castiglioni. 2024. "Raman Spectroscopy of Crystalline Materials and Nanostructures" Crystals 14, no. 3: 251. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14030251

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop