Ultrafast optical technique reveals how electrical double layers form in liquids

Ultrafast optical technique reveals how electrical double layers form in liquids

Charged surfaces in contact with liquids—such as biological cell walls or battery electrodes—attract oppositely charged ions from the liquid. This creates two distinct charged regions: the surface itself and a counter-charged region in the liquid: the so-called electrical double layer. While pivotal to energy storage devices, the speed of its formation has remained elusive.

Surfaces charged in contact with liquids – such as biological cell walls or battery electrodes – attracting ions charged with the opposite charge of the liquid. This creates two distinct charged regions: the surface itself and a region counterloaded in the liquid: the so-called electric double layer. Although the essential devices [...]