Characterization of the Double Layer By Time Resolved Surface Enhanced FTIR Spectroscopy

The utilization of ionic liquids (ILs) for future electrochemical applications shows great promise.  Recently ILs have been investigated for many electrochemical systems however, further characterization and development of ILs remains to be done before they are applied to devices such as batteries, capacitors, and fuel cells.  For example, data that yield understanding of the interfacial structure and dynamics of ILs at electrode surfaces are vital since these interactions ultimately allude to electrochemical device efficiency.  We will present time resolved (TRS) FTIR spectroscopy data as a means to characterize IL-based electrolytes.  In particular, we will exhibit two modes of TRS: step scanning and rapid scanning during simultaneous electrochemical perturbation to better understand IL interactions at metal electrode surfaces.