Bias-dependent molecular-level structure of electrical double layer in ionic liquid on graphite

Nano Lett. 2013;13(12):5954-60. doi: 10.1021/nl4031083. Epub 2013 Nov 12.

Abstract

Here we report the bias-evolution of the electrical double layer structure of an ionic liquid on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite measured by atomic force microscopy. We observe reconfiguration under applied bias and the orientational transitions in the Stern layer. The synergy between molecular dynamics simulation and experiment provides a comprehensive picture of structural phenomena and long and short-range interactions, which improves our understanding of the mechanism of charge storage on a molecular level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Ionic Liquids / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Ionic Liquids
  • Graphite