Local Structure of Electric Double Layer at Electrode/Electrolyte Interface
∼For better understanding of electron transfer reaction at the interfaces∼

Abstract

For the electron transfer reaction of a molecule at the electrode/electrolyte interface, local distribution of ions, which determines the stability of the molecule at each moment, is much more important than the average electric double layer determined by the electrode potential. Recently we have developed electrochemical frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy (EC-FM-AFM), which is applicable to analyses of electrochemical systems by independent potential control of the sample and the tip with an advantage in high spatial resolution at low loading forces. We have applied this technique for the analyses of local structure of electric double layer at the electrode modified by redox-active molecules in HClO₄ aqueous solution and found the redox-state dependent reversible change in topography and energy dissipation.