RAMAN-SPECTROSCOPY AT METAL-ELECTRODES

Unlike a silver surface, platinum does not provide surface enhancement for optical processes. Hence, Raman scattering for adsorbates at this surface, in particular in-situ Raman scattering, can be monitored only in the case of resonantly enhanced Raman processes or with significantly improved spectrometer systems. A realistic estimation of surface Raman intensities reveals, not unexpectedly, that in-situ normal Raman scattering at electrodes requires a sufficient discrimination of the light scattering by the bulk electrolyte together with a remarkable increase of the detection efficiency. Several ways to meet these prerequisites are sketched and preliminary results are presented, among them, for the first time, in-situ Raman scattering for ClO4- ions at smooth Pt electrodes. © 1990.