Molecular dynamics simulation indirect technique

The main goal of the molecular dynamics computer simulation of ionic solvation and adsorption on a metal surface has been to test the above model and to provide more quantitative information about the different factors that influence the structure of hydrated ions at the interface. Unfortunately, most of the experimental information about these issues has been obtained from indirect measurements such as capacity and current-potential plots, although in recent years in situ experimental techniques have begun to provide an accurate test of the above model. For a recent review of experimental techniques and the theory of ionic adsorption at the water/metal interface, see the excellent paper by Philpott. ... 

There are (at least) two major opportunities for research by those interested in this topic. On the computational side, there is definite room for improvement in simulation methods. Right now none of the simulation approaches has the user friendliness that has brought electronic-structure calculation into the realm of routine applicability by nonspecialists. Nor has the field seen the development of the qualitative or semiquantitative models that did so much to make the results of molecular orbital calculations useful to organic chemists. On the experimental side, it will be obvious to the reader that the techniques for detecting the effects of nonstatistical dynamics are still very rudimentary and indirect. There is clearly room for creative scientists to come up with techniques whose results can give us more direct insight into these issues. 

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