In-Situ AFM Probing of Electric Double Layer

Electrochemical interfaces are charged interfaces. In isotropic media such as aqueous solutions, a metal-electrolyte interface has charge and potential distribution mainly across 

Ionic liquids have a high ionic strength, and therefore the electric double layer at the metal-ionic liquid interface is rather compact. In addition, the rupture forces of the layered structure are small (in the range of a few nanonewtons). To probe the weak forces associated with the layered stmctures within the compact region, the micrometer silica sphere employed in the aqueous solution is no longer applicable. Instead, the use of cantilevers with nanoscale and usually an atomically rough tip apex, as well as a low spring constant (on the scale of 0.1 N m ) are necessary. 

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