Unravelling the electrochemical double layer by direct probing of the solid/liquid interface
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: The electrochemical double layer plays a critical role in electrochemical processes. Whilst there have been many theoretical models predicting structural and electrical organization of the electrochemical double layer, the experimental verification of these models has been challenging due to the limitations of available experimental techniques. The induced potential drop in the electrolyte has never been directly observed and verified experimentally, to the best of our knowledge. In this study, we report the direct probing of the potential drop as well as the potential of zero charge by means of ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy performed under polarization conditions. By analyzing the spectra of the solvent (water) and a spectator neutral molecule with numerical simulations of the electric field, we discern the shape of the electrochemical double layer profile. In addition, we determine how the electrochemical double layer changes as a function of both the electrolyte concentration and applied potential.
Source: Nature Communications
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12695
Institutions: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, Advanced Light Source, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, State Key Laboratory of Functional Materials for Informatics
Language: English
Subfield: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Awards: G1286236842, G1286251239, G1627681169, G2387988524, G2618837358, G30714459, G3083819904, G419881185, G4270867823, G42916606, G4501827968, G498139845, TAS::89 0321::TAS; NEW- JOINT CENTER FOR ARTIFICIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS (JCAP), PI NATHAN LEWIS, G650090426, G6652958823, G704498496, TAS::89 0321::TAS; NEW- JOINT CENTER FOR ARTIFICIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS (JCAP), PI NATHAN LEWIS, G969889393
OpenAlex ID: W2517859888