Charged interface, free energy formation

A general prerequisite for the existence of a stable interface between two phases is that the free energy of formation of the interface be positive were it negative or zero, fluctuations would lead to complete dispersion of one phase in another. As implied, thermodynamics constitutes an important discipline within the general subject. It is one in which surface area joins the usual extensive quantities of mass and volume and in which surface tension and surface composition join the usual intensive quantities of pressure, temperature, and bulk composition. The thermodynamic functions of free energy, enthalpy and entropy can be defined for an interface as well as for a bulk portion of matter. Chapters II and ni are based on a rich history of thermodynamic studies of the liquid interface. The phase behavior of liquid films enters in Chapter IV, and the electrical potential and charge are added as thermodynamic variables in Chapter V. 

Since the equations of state of the system are summarized by the curves in Figure 2, all interesting thermodynamic properties of the interface will have a simple representation in such a diagram. We shall consider the free energy of formation of a single charged surface and the interaction free energy due to the overlap of two identical planar double layers. 

We recall that the first integral in Equation 23a represents the change in electrical free energy in forming the diffuse double layer. This contribution to f, the free energy of formation of the charged interface, is positive and hence represents an unfavourable component which opposes the formation of the charged interface. 

A Schottky barrier (dipole layer) at the metal-molecule interface due to differences in Gibbs free energies of the metal and the molecule or the formation of a dipolar layer of charges on the two sides of the interface. This is S (for Schottky) rectification. 

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