Metallized plastic films, gold

This ability of the GaPc-Cl modified electrodes to photo-enhance both the oxidation and reduction redox processes has been further explored using gold, metallized plastic films (Au-MPOTE, Sierracin Corporation) modified with 10-100 molecular layer thicknesses of this phthalocyanine. Figure 3 shows the light and dark i/V behavior of such an electrode modified with a non-porous film of GaPc-Cl. The dark i/V behavior of an unmodified gold electrode in the same solution is shown for comparison. 

In the case of the thin-foil method, the detector sees simultaneously both components of the radiation coming through a thin foil (metal or metal (gold)-plated plastic film) forming the bottom of the cell. The adsorbent is either the foil itself or a thin deposited layer on the bottom of the cell serving as a mechanical support and electric conductor (if the foil is metal-plated). 

Radiotracer Methods, Fig. 1 Three-electrode cell used for the radiotracer studies. (A) Is the main compartment that contains the electrolyte and the labeled compound (ions). (B and C) Are the compartments of the reference and counter electrodes, respectively. (D) Is the working electrode, usually a gold-covered plastic foil (on the gold other metals and/or films can be deposited in advance). (E) Is the scintillation detector... 

For decorative purposes especially precious metal finishes frequently are applied to plastics—for example, on buttons. In one process, a layer of copper is deposited on the initial conductive film, then electroless nickel, and lastly gold is deposited by immersion. Precious metals, particularly gold, may be used as an alternative to chromium on top of the conventional thick copper and electroplated nickel system. 

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