Molecular scale ion separation driven by surface roughness and ion size asymmetry: new analytical solutions for differential capacitance of EDL

TL;DR

This paper presents new analytical solutions for the differential capacitance of electric double layers near rough electrodes, considering ion size asymmetry and surface roughness, with implications for capacitor design.

Contribution

It introduces the first analytical DC profile with multiple peaks accounting for ion reorientation and surface roughness effects.

Findings

DC profile can have more than two peaks due to ion reorientation.

Surface roughness transforms the DC curve from bell to camel shape.

DC behavior varies with temperature and ion size ratio depending on ion separation type.

Abstract

Electrode surface roughness significantly impacts the structure of electric double layer on a molecular scale. We derive analytical solutions for differential capacitance (DC) of electric double layer near rough electrode surface, comparing them with a range of experimental and numerical studies. Two causes of ions separation are considered: ion size asymmetry and electrode surface roughness. The model has three scale parameters determining DC properties: the Debye length, difference of ion penetration depths, and surface roughness parameter. For the first time, DC profile with more than two peaks was obtained analytically due to account for ions reorientation effect. The model predicts DC curve transform from bell to camel and inverse induced by electrode surface roughness. The behavior of DC-potential relation with temperature and ion size ratio diverges depending on the type of ions separation. Additionally, we provide analytical solutions for zero charge potential and demonstrate roughness effect on its value. Based on the results, we give recommendations for properties required to design effective electric double layer capacitors.