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Title: Probing Electric Double-Layer Composition via in Situ Vibrational Spectroscopy and Molecular Simulations.

Journal Article · · Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

At an electrode, ions and solvent accumulate to screen charge, leading to a nanometer-scale electric double layer (EDL). The EDL guides electrode passivation in batteries, while in (super)capacitors, it determines charge storage capacity. Despite its importance, quantification of the nanometer-scale and potential-dependent EDL remains a challenging problem. Here, we directly probe changes in the EDL composition with potential using in situ vibrational spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations for a Li-ion battery electrolyte (LiClO4 in dimethyl carbonate). The accumulation rate of Li+ ions at the negative surface and ClO4- ions at the positive surface from vibrational spectroscopy compares well to that predicted by simulations using a polarizable APPLE&P force field. The ion solvation shell structure and ion-pairing within the EDL differs significantly from the bulk, especially at the negative electrode, suggesting that the common rationalization of interfacial electrochemical processes in terms of bulk ion solvation should be applied with caution.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22), Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division (SC-22.1)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-05CH11231
OSTI ID:
1650061
Journal Information:
Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, Vol. 10, Issue 12; ISSN 1948-7185
Publisher:
American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 19 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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