LE3 .A278 2006

2006

Zamlynny, Vlad

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Chemistry

Chemistry

A procedure for the generation of a gold (111) single crystal electrode to be used in polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM IR RAS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies of thin organic films deposited on metals was developed. This method involved the production of the initial single crystal by induction furnace, and the final orientation of the (111) crystallographic plane using X-ray diffraction (XRD) Laue back scattering photography. The desired surface was then polished using sandpaper, diamond lapping film, and finally a polycrystalline 1 μm diamond suspension followed by 0.05 μm colloidal alumina. The orientation of this single crystal was confirmed by cyclic volatammetric (CV) measurements. The single crystal electrode was then used to validate an EIS setup. This was done by performing EIS measurements on both the bare gold electrode and the electrode covered with imidazole film adsorbed onto the surface and comparing the results to CV results published in the literature. These tests have concluded that a gold (111) single crystal electrode was successfully produced, oriented and polished. The tests conducted on the EIS setup indicate that the equipment is working reliably, providing results similar to those reported in the literature.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:503