SEM-EDS analysis of gold mercaptotriazole crystals (Au-MT)

Abstract

An electrolyte based on gold complex with mercaptotriazole was synthesized in a wide pH range from acid to alkaline (pH=2-12). After synthesis of the electrolyte, detailed characterization of the complex in liquid and solid state in the whole range of its stability was performed. Synthesized solutions of gold complex based on mercaptotriazole are vaporized at room temperature to dry in order to obtain and characterize Au-MT in the crystalline form. Optical microscopy showed that the crystals obtained from solutions of different pH values are different in color, size and homogeneity. The most homogeneous (according to size and color) and the smallest crystals were obtained from the electrolyte with pH=9. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) crystals of the complex of gold with mercaptotriazole has shown that the crystals obtained at different pH values differ in shape, size and homogeneity. The most homogeneous and at the same time the smallest crystals are obtained from electrolytes at pH = 9.