Integral equation theory for the electrode-electrolyte interface with the central force water model. Results for an aqueous solution of sodium chloride

Abstract

The structure of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride at a planar electrode is investigated by integral equation techniques. With the central force water model the aqueous electrolyte is modelled as a mixture of sodium and chloride ions and partially charged hydrogen and oxygen atoms interacting via effective spherically symmetric pair potentials. The bulk correlation functions are obtained from the Ornstein-Zernike equation. With the Wertheim-Lovett-Mou-Buff equation we have calculated the density profiles at the uncharged and charged electrode. Steric interactions between the differently sized ions and the ice-like water structure near the electrode dominates the ionic distribution. This model electrolyte also responds differently to opposite charges on the electrode.