Electrochemical Processes in Metal Electrode Interfaces

Electrochemical processes at metal electrode interfaces govern a wide spectrum of phenomena, from energy storage and corrosion to electrocatalysis and chemical sensing. Central to these processes is the formation of the electrical double layer, in which ions from the electrolyte accumulate in response to surface charge on the metal. This interfacial region mediates charge transfer via specific adsorption, formation of active complexes and modifications of surface hydration or solvent organisation. Kinetics of electron transfer are influenced by overpotential, interfacial capacitance and the structure of solvent and adsorbate layers. Techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy elucidate mechanistic details, including multistep pathways and rate-determining steps. Advances in surface modification, including self-assembled monolayers and novel electrode materials, have enabled control over electrosorption and catalytic activity. Understanding these interfacial processes at molecular and atomic scales underpins the development of efficient batteries, fuel cells, corrosion-resistant coatings and chemical sensors, highlighting the global significance and practical applications of this field.

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Electrochemical Processes in Metal Electrode Interfaces publication trend

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Technical terms

Electrical double layer: A structure of charged layers at the metal/electrolyte interface comprising the compact and diffuse regions that govern interfacial capacitance and potential distribution.

Electrosorption: Specific adsorption of ions or molecules onto an electrically charged electrode surface, affecting charge-transfer kinetics and surface coverage.

Overpotential: The additional potential beyond the thermodynamic equilibrium required to drive an electrochemical reaction at a specified rate.

Active complex: A transient species formed by interaction of reactant ions and adsorbed molecules at the electrode surface, facilitating electron transfer.

Cyclic voltammetry: A potential-sweep technique that measures current response to elucidate reaction mechanisms and kinetics at an electrode.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: A frequency-domain method probing resistance and capacitance of interfacial processes to resolve stepwise reaction dynamics.

References

1. The Comparison of Catalytic Activity of Carbimazole and Methimazole on Electroreduction of Zinc (II) in Chlorates (VII): Experimental and Molecular Modelling Study. Molecules (2024).
2. Effect of Ionic Surfactants on Kinetics and Mechanism of the Bi(III) Ion Electroreduction in the Mixed Aqueous–Organic Solutions of Supporting Electrolytes. Molecules (2024).
3. Kinetics and Mechanism of In(III) Ions Electroreduction on Cyclically Renewable Liquid Silver Amalgam Film Electrode: Significance of the Active Complexes of In(III)—Acetazolamide. Molecules (2023).