Influence of ions and their solvation on the structure of water on metal surfaces investigated on the atomic scale 

About the topic:

To understand electrochemical processes close to solid-liquid interfaces, it is necessary to investigate the influence of ions and their solvation on the structure of water on metal surfaces. The results can help to understand the process of solvation close to electrodes and, thus, be important for electrocatalytic applications. However, up to now only a few experiments can be found in literature describing solvation on an atomic scale.

The structure and dynamics of water and ions on an atomic scale are to be investigated with a Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) under Ultra-High vacuum (UHV). Different types of STM are available and can be found on our homepage (https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/pc1/ausstattung/index.html.en).

As a model for liquid water we use amorphous ice with its unordered structure, water close to the electrode interface is resembled by crystalline ice. Based on their ability to be ionize to single charged ions on a metal surface, alkaline metals are great as prototype for positively charged ions. As models for negatively charged ions chlorine ions or sulfate ions can be used. In combination with amorphous or crystalline ice, respectively, these differently charged ions of different size give insights on the process of solvation, as well as on their influence on the structure of water close to solid-liquid interfaces.

What they are looking for in students:

We expect motivated students, who are willing to learn new techniques, are interested in surface science and physical chemistry and are happy to work with complex instruments.

Former experience in the fields of Scanning Probe Microscopy or the handling of UHV-systems would be helpful but is not a requirement.

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