The simulation renders ion density and electrostatic potential near a charged electrode, showing the rigid Stern layer of adsorbed ions transitioning into the thermally broadened Gouy-Chapman diffuse layer.
Adjust electrolyte concentration and surface charge sliders to watch the Debye length compress or expand and to see the balance shift between the compact Stern layer and the diffuse ion cloud.
Sliders for electrolyte concentration and electrode surface charge
Doubling the electrolyte concentration in a simple 1:1 salt solution shrinks the Debye screening length by roughly a factor of 1.4, since it scales as the inverse square root of ionic strength.
The simulation renders ion density and electrostatic potential near a charged electrode, showing the rigid Stern layer of adsorbed ions transitioning into the thermally broadened Gouy-Chapman diffuse layer.
The simulation renders ion density and electrostatic potential near a charged electrode, showing the rigid Stern layer of adsorbed ions transitioning into the thermally broadened Gouy-Chapman diffuse layer.
Adjust electrolyte concentration and surface charge sliders to watch the Debye length compress or expand and to see the balance shift between the compact Stern layer and the diffuse ion cloud.
Doubling the electrolyte concentration in a simple 1:1 salt solution shrinks the Debye screening length by roughly a factor of 1.4, since it scales as the inverse square root of ionic strength.