Electrolyte structure near electrodes with molecular-size roughness

Understanding electrodes' surface morphology influence on ions' distribution is essential for designing supercapacitors with enhanced energy density characteristics. We develop a model for the structure of electrolytes near the rough surface of electrodes. The model describes an effective electrostatic field's increase and associated intensification of ions' spatial separation at the electrode-electrolyte interface. These adsorption-induced local electric and structure properties result in notably increased values and a sharpened form of the differential capacitance dependence on the applied potential. Such capacitance behavior is observed in many published simulations, and its description is beyond the capabilities of the established flat-electrodes theories. The proposed approach could extend the quantitatively verified models providing a new instrument of the electrode surface-parameter optimization for specific electrolytes.

Automated summary

Understanding the influence of electrode surface morphology on ions' distribution is crucial for designing supercapacitors with enhanced energy density characteristics. The developed model describes an increase in the effective electrostatic field near the rough surface of electrodes, leading to intensified spatial separation of ions at the electrode-electrolyte interface. This research could provide a new tool for optimizing electrode surface parameters to improve capacitance values.