Electrochemical and structural properties of the electrical double layer of two-component electrolytes in response to varied electrode potential

J Chem Phys. 2016 Apr 7;144(13):134701. doi: 10.1063/1.4944927.

Abstract

The electrochemical and structural properties of the electrical double layers for two-component electrolytes were studied by Monte Carlo simulations using simple models. When the electrolyte contains two species of cations that have different diameters, the capacitance on the cathode dramatically increases as a large negative potential is applied. This behavior is qualitatively similar to the one reported in an experimental work that has used Li-containing ionic liquid as the electrolyte [M. Yamagata et al., Electrochim. Acta 110, 181-190 (2013)], in which it has also been reported that addition of Li ions to the electrolyte enhances the potential window to the negative side. The analysis of the ionic structure showed that the electrical double layer on the cathode is dominantly formed by the larger cations under small negative potentials, while they are replaced by the smaller cations under large negative potentials. This transition of the ionic structure with electrode potential is also consistent with the enhancement of the potential window that was found in the experimental work, which suggests that the organic cations are expelled from the electrical double layer under large negative potentials and the chance of decomposition is reduced.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't