A SIMPLE-MODEL FOR MICELLIZATION AND MICELLE TRANSFORMATIONS ON ELECTRODE SURFACES

A simple semi-molecular model based on the principles of small system thermodynamics is presented to describe two-dimensional micellization and micelle transformations on electrode surfaces. The model predicts slightly deformed capacitance peaks in the polarization region where the formation/destruction of two-dimensional micelles occurs. The appearance of capacitance peaks also characterizes all micelle transformations on an electrode except their collapse into a compact layer. In this case, the model predicts abrupt vertical steps in the plots of charge density and differential capacity against potential. The above predictions are compared with experimental data and discussed.