Layering and Ordering in Electrochemical Double Layers

J Phys Chem Lett. 2018 Mar 15;9(6):1265-1271. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.8b00123. Epub 2018 Feb 27.

Abstract

Electrochemical double layers (EDL) form at electrified interfaces. Whereas the Gouy-Chapman model describes moderately charged EDL, the formation of Stern layers was predicted for highly charged EDL. Our results provide structural evidence for a Stern layer of cations at potentials close to hydrogen evolution in alkali fluoride and chloride electrolytes. Layering was observed by X-ray crystal truncation rods and atomic-scale recoil responses of Pt(111) surface layers. Ordering in the layer was confirmed by glancing-incidence in-plane diffraction measurements.