Surface enhanced Raman spectra of benzotriazole adsorbed on a copper electrode

The surface enhanced Raman spectrum of benzotriazole (BTAH) adsorbed on a copper electrode has been studied as a function of the potential applied to the electrode. The effect of pH and of the type of halide in the electrolyte solution has also been investigated. The presence of some complexes involving Cu(I), benzotriazole or benzotriazolate (BTA^-) and the halide has been characterized. The protective film formed on copper surface, in the presence of benzotriazole, has been identified as cuprous benzotriazolate Cu(I)BTA].