Abstract

In situ infrared vibrational spectroscopy of the electrode/solution interface has established itself as an efficient and informative method for study of the orientation and structure of adsorbed species. The method is growing rapidly in popularity due to is ease in implementation. Very high sensitivities (approximately 10^-6 adsorbance) is attained with relatively simple instrumentation and by simple single external specular reflection. A range of related experimental techniques and their application has led to study of problems of wide electrochemical and general interest including: a) The detection and identification in aqueous and non-aqueous solvents of the potential dependent populations of solvent, simple ions, and organic solutes both in the adsorbed state and free in the double layer using a wide range of metallic and non-metallic electrode materials including well-defined single crystal surfaces. b) The investigation of the orientation, surface bonding, and intermolecular interaction of adsorbed species and the effects of electrode potential on these parameters. c) The identification and kinetics of reaction of adsorbed and non-adsorbed reaction intermediates such as radical anions and cations.

© 1985 Optical Society of America