Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Vol.479, No.1, 21-31, 1999
Interfacial structure of dimethylsulfoxide at Ag electrodes from surface enhanced Raman scattering and differential capacitance
Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and differential capacitance have been used to study interfacial structure in LiBr-containing dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at Ag electrodes. The potential-dependent orientation of this solvent is driven by interactions of the O atoms with the AE surface at positive potentials and by interactions of the S atoms with the surface at negative potentials. Significant spectral changes are observed at potentials in the vicinity of the pzc indicating reorientation of interfacial solvent molecules. Evidence for unique potential-dependent interactions of Li+ and Br- with DMSO and trace amounts of H2O in the electrochemical interface have been uncovered on the basis of their spectral signatures. Potential-dependent molecular pictures of the interface in this system are proposed.
Keywords:surface enhanced Raman scattering;electrochemical interface;halide ion adsorption;non-aqueous solutions