Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Probing and Mapping Electrode Surfaces in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Published on: September 20, 2012
Study of proton adsorption at heterogeneous oxide/electrolyte interface. Prediction of the surface potential using
P Zarzycki1, R Charmas, P Szabelski
1Department of Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square 3, 20-031, Lublin, Poland.
Abstract:
Adsorption of protons on a heterogeneous solid surface is modeled using the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation method. The surface of an oxide is assumed to consist of adsorption sites with pK assigned according to a quasi-Gaussian distribution. The influence of the electrostatic interactions combined with the energetic heterogeneity of the surface is examined and the MC results are compared with the predictions of the analytical 1-pK approach. The surface potential behavior is examined using both "experimental" MC results and "theoretical" results obtained from the application of 1-pK model. The results are compared qualitatively with experimental determination of the surface potential of metal oxide surfaces. They confirm that the relation between the surface potential and the pH of bulk solution should not be described by the Nernst equation but by the equation with the parameter linearly reducing Nerstian potential. The values of this parameter are examined with respect to degree of surface energetic heterogeneity and site density of the surface.
Related Concept Videos
Interfacial Electrochemical Methods: Overview
Electrogravimetric Analysis: Overview
To test the completeness of the...
Controlled-Potential Coulometry: Electrolytic Methods
The chosen potential ensures...
The Electrical Double Layer
Heterogeneous Catalysis
Processes at Electrodes

