Probing double layer structures of Au (111)-BMIPF6 ionic liquid interfaces from potential-dependent AFM force curves.

High quality AFM force curves are presented with detailed potential dependent layering behaviors of the ionic liquid molecules, from which charged interior and neutral exterior layers are distinguished. The electric double layer is confined within the interior layers of one to two molecular size within the potential range of up to 1 V negative of the PZC. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012