Work using X-ray photoelectron spectrometer has revealed how novel techniques for gold plating could reduce costs and improved performance in the electronics and other industries
Work carried out using the Scienta Esca 300 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer at Daresbury Laboratory has revealed how novel techniques for gold plating could lead to reduced costs and improved performance in the electronics and other industries. Having devised a method for synthesising gold nitride, Lidija Siller and her team used facilities at the National Centre for Electron Spectroscopy and Surface Analysis (NCESS) at Daresbury Laboratory to confirm its structure.
The unusual nature of this makes gold nitride hard enough to be used in its pure form as a thin film plating material.
Their technique of ion implantation could be scaled up for industrial use introducing cheaper and 'greener' alternatives to plating methods currently in use.
Danny Law, NCESS user liaison officer explains: "The Scienta Esca 300 spectrometer combines high intensity X-ray energy with high resolution to give unparalleled clarity. "It is available to both academic and industrial users who need more detailed information about the properties and surface behaviour of materials.
"Flexible sample handling, high throughput, and comprehensive data collection provide information and analysis under conditions close to those occurring during material use or processing".
Gold is favoured for use as a plating material because of its excellent conductive properties and resistance to atmospheric deterioration, however it is notoriously soft and usually alloyed with elements such as nickel, cobalt, iron or arsenic.
Much work at NCESS is environmentally and economically driven such as improving catalytic efficiency and developing engine lubricants to reduce friction and wear.
Research relating to materials for use in medical applications could help improve future bone and tooth implants to promote healing and stimulate regeneration of tissue.
