Richard P. Van Duyne was a distinguished chemist renowned for his transformative contributions to analytical and physical chemistry. He served as the Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and held a joint appointment as professor of biomedical engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering. Joining Northwestern in 1971 after earning his bachelor's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his doctorate from the University of North Carolina, he established himself as a cornerstone of the university's chemistry department throughout his illustrious career. An exceptionally dedicated scholar, Van Duyne remained actively engaged in research until his passing at age 73 in 2019.
Professor Van Duyne's most groundbreaking achievement was the discovery of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in 1977, a revolutionary technique capable of detecting and identifying single molecules with unprecedented sensitivity. His seminal paper on the phenomenon, cited more than 4,600 times according to Google Scholar, explained the mechanism that transformed SERS from an observed effect into a powerful analytical tool with widespread applications across scientific disciplines. This discovery fundamentally altered the landscape of molecular detection, enabling breakthroughs in chemistry, physics, materials science, and medicine that continue to this day. Van Duyne's work not only established the foundation for a new field of spectroscopy but also definitively demonstrated the single-molecule sensitivity that opened extraordinary possibilities for ultrasensitive chemical analysis.
Beyond his landmark discovery, Van Duyne's research program continued to innovate, pioneering developments in ultrafast SERS, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), and the integration of SERS with electrochemistry, leading to important discoveries including the first observation of surface-enhanced femtosecond stimulated Raman spectra. He was a key member of Northwestern's International Institute for Nanotechnology and made significant contributions to the Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center and Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence. Recognized for his exceptional mentorship, Van Duyne trained generations of scientists who carried forward his legacy of rigorous experimental work and innovative thinking. His intellectual leadership and practical applications of SERS technology, including devices for hand-held glucose detection and art conservation projects, cemented his reputation as a scientist whose work bridged fundamental discovery with real-world impact.
