Gelatin-modified surfaces in selected electronic components

The gelatin content in graphite—gelatin composites was determined from the difference in the mass of graphite particles before and after the treatment with gelatin and by thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the content of gelatine has a maximum at those pH values of gelatin solution which correspond to the isoelectric point of gelatin. The result is correlated with previous findings concerning gelatin adsorption on various substrates as a function of pH. The “hairy” structure of gelatin allows deposition of different types of small particles (e.g. carbon black) and, under appropriate conditions, may lead to the formation of thick (0.3 μm) and dense layers. On the basis of the good adsorption of gelatin on graphite surfaces, we prepared anodes for lithium accumulators. In graphitic anodes, gelatin serves both as a binder between particles and as a surface modifier, which leads to lower irreversible losses of charge owing to anode passivation.