Study of the Interface between Polyacrylonitrile Thin Films and a Nickel Cathode: Ni 3d States Analysed by EXES

Abstract

The interaction between a nickel substrate and thin polyacrylonitrile films is studied by electron-induced x-ray emission spectroscopy (EXES). The analysis of the metal 3d distribution at the interface suggests that a direct interaction takes place between the metallic sites and the monomer molecules when the metal is cathodically polarized. The existence of bonds due to mixing of Ni 3d and C 2p states is shown. In contrast, there is no detectable interaction in the absence of polarization of the metallic surface.