Spectroelectrochemistry as a Technique to Monitor Ion Dynamics
Francis Richey
Advisor: Elabd
Spectroelectrochemical experiments provide valuable kinetic and transport
information regarding the molecular level ions that contribute to
electrochemical processes like redox reactions and ion adsorption. We have
developed an in-situ spectroelectrochemical technique utilizing Fourier
transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy to
study ion dynamics in energy storage devices. In particular, we will show
data for redox capacitors and double layer capacitors where the
spectroelectrochemical experiments are capable of distinguishing between
the cation and anion of the ionic liquid electrolyte that is being stored in the
electrodes. The cation of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium
triflate is the dominant charge carrier in the system, but cation and anion
aggregation is prevalent in both double layer capacitors and redox
capacitors.