Potential dependent organization of water at the electrified metal-liquid interface

In situ infrared visible sum frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG) is used to examine the structure of water at the Ag-water interface in NaF and KF electrolyte solutions. Water is observed in environments associated with both the electrode surface and the diffuse double layer. Peaks are observed that are correlated with low-order water, water interacting with electrolyte ions, specifically adsorbed water to the electrode surface, and hydronium. Spectra obtained from a thiol-modified Ag surface enabled discrimination between surface-bound water and that in the double layer. The water organization is dependent on applied potential, with the observed intensities for specifically adsorbed and ion solvating water diminishing near the pzc.