Probing the electrified solid–liquid interfaces with laser-induced transient techniques

Abstract

The crucial role and significance of the electrified electrode/electrolyte interface in optimizing electrochemical systems cannot be underestimated. The net orientation of dipoles and solvent layer structure at the electrode/electrolyte interface can immensely impact electrochemical processes such as the electrode catalytic activity and the charge and mass transfer. The so-called temperature jump effect is refreshingly triggered by employing sub-microsecond laser pulses to irradiate various electrodes. The laser-induced transient techniques are valuable, reliable, and unique tools for determining critical parameters of the electrified interface, such as the potential of maximum entropy (PME) and the potential of zero charge (PZC). Herein, we accentuate the theory behind the techniques and provide relevant information about the experimental setup and design. A detailed summary of recent studies using the laser-induced transient techniques is discussed, with particular emphasis on the relation between the PME/PZC and the electrocatalytic properties of various electrochemical systems.