Kelvin Probe measurements of polymer coated gold substrates: Mechanism studies

The origin of work-function changes induced in polymer/metal structures (polyacrylic acid (PAA), ammonium and sodium polyacrylate) upon ammonia exposure is studied. To understand and explain the mechanism systematic measurements of uncoated and polymer coated metals are performed in Kelvin Probe (KP) setups. Additional data have been acquired through gravimetric and electrochemical experiments (cyclic voltammetry (CV)). The results obtained confirm that the field effect sensitive processes are taking place at the metal/polymer interface and allow their modelling. The intrinsic sensitivity of metallic samples upon ammonia exposure is influenced by the presence of coating polymers, by their ability to sorb water and to keep the metal surface wet or dry.