Abstract
The potential of maximum entropy (PME) is used to understand the structure and charging of the electrochemical double layer. Closely related to the potential of zero charge (PZC), the PME occurs when disorder of the solvent molecules at the surface reaches a maximum. Using a laser induced temperature jump (LITJ) to measure the PME has been shown to be a convenient method for metal electrodes. We present experiments using LITJ to investigate a metal oxide thin film and film thickness. The PME of these thin films appears to change with thickness, correlating with surface strain where a thinner film shifts the PME closer to OER potentials in turn reducing the overpotentials required. Our experiments are shown to be reproducible and independent of sweep rate or the vertex potentials selected. Interestingly we observe a hysteresis with scan direction, of 100-250 mV which we nominally attribute to surface adsorbates. Our results highlight the link between excess surface charge and catalytic activity and how this may be tuned via surface strain. Figure 1
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
