CYANOMETAL COMPLEXES AS SURFACE DERIVATIZATION REAGENTS: THE CHEMICALLY MODIFIED NICKEL ELECTRODE.

The surface coverage obtained is shown to be a reproducable function of composition of the derivatizing solution, nickel surface pretreatment, electrode potential, and the reaction time (1-3). Diffuse reflectance (FTIR and U. V. -visible) spectra of derivatized Ni surfaces show a cyano bridged bimetallic structure indicative of a Ni**2** plus substituted prussian blue-like polymer. The authors find that the exact structure and thus reactivity of these films can be varied in a controlled manner. Of particular structural interest is the capability of certain types of surface structures to concentrate electroactive solution species (independent of charge) at the electrode surface, thus yielding enhanced current for such species.