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U.S. Department of Energy
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Ion chromatographic procedures for the analysis of ethanol/ammonium tartrate anodization electrolyte

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6948869

A solution which is 98% ethyl alcohol saturated with ammonium tartrate (0.12 gm/L) is used as an electrolyte in the formation of anodic aluminum oxide barrier film capacitor dielectrics. Bath composition affects the dielectric strength and thickness of these films. Anions in the electrolyte may cause poor barrier coatings by migrating to the aluminum anode and forming porous films or providing pathways for electrical breakdown. Ion chromatography has been found to be an ideal tool for both qualitative and quantitative analysis for anions in the anodization baths. A method for replacing the ethanol solvent with standard anion eluent prior to analysis was developed and used to analyze for chloride in the range of 0.05 to 1.0 ..mu..g/mL. The formation of formate and acetate ions in the electrolyte solution as a function of anodization was discovered during the course of these studies. Ion chromatography exclusion can simultaneously determine these two ions as well as tartrate ion without prior removal of ethanol, and can be used to monitor changes in bath composition. The ammonium ion can be analyzed in solutions by direct injection onto the cation chromatography columns. Procedures for the ion chromatographic determination of these ions are detailed. 9 figures, 4 tables.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6948869
Report Number(s):
SAND-82-1929; ON: DE83003836
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English