WORK FUNCTION OF EMERSED ELECTRODES

In2O3 and gold electrodes have been removed from electrolytic solution at various electrode potentials and their work functions determined by the Kelvin method. In concentrated electrolytes the work function of the electrodes is shown to be independent of the electrode material, and linearly dependent with unity slope upon the electrode potential applied before and during emersion. Along with other results published by the authors this also is conclusive evidence that the electric double layer is retained completely during and after removal. In less concentrated electrolytes, where the diffuse part of the double layer extends into the electrolyte several nm, the potential dependence of the work function is less pronounced, indicating some loss of charge during removal. This yields information on the shear forces acting at the electrode electrolyte interface. In addition, some data are presented on the time behaviour of the double layer discharge in the emersed state, when removing the electrode at potentials where Faradaic reactions occur. From the work function data the absolute electrode potential of the normal hydrogen electrode is inferred to be about 4.7 eV. © 1979 Elsevier Sequoia S.A.