Zero Charge Potentials and Electrical Double Layer at Solid Electrodes

Electrical double layer (edl) structure at solid electrodes and values of zero charge potentials (i.e., potentials of zero free charge and potentials of zero total charge), depending on crystallographic structure of an electrode surface, have been discussed. Influence of geometric roughness (including Debye-length-dependent surface roughness) and energetic inhomogeneity on the interfacial parameters has been analyzed. Edl data for aqueous and nonaqueous electrolyte solutions and ionic liquids have been briefly addressed. Influence of the electronic characteristics of electrodes (including HOPG) on the potential drop at an electrode–electrolyte interface has been analyzed. Influence of pH on the potential of zero total charge obtained using CO2 displacement, laser beam temperature jump, and spectroscopic methods has been discussed.