Precursor-directed self-assembly of porous ZnO nanosheets as high-performance surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate.

Self-assembly of ZnO porous nanosheets with novel parallelogram morphology and high specific surface area is achieved by a one-pot alkalization reaction. The growth mechanism relies on the dual roles of the precursor: providing the building blocks and the assembling template concurrently. This porous structure with active surface defects serves as a high-performance semiconductor substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).