Ionic Size Effect on the Double Layer Properties: A Modified Poisson-Boltzmann Theory

Abstract

On the basis of a simple modified Poisson-Boltzmann (SMPB) theory, taking into account the finite ionic size, the analytic expression for the effect of ionic size on the diffuse layer potential drop at negative charge densities has been given for the simple 1:1 electrolyte. It is shown that the potential drop across the diffuse layer depends on the size of the ions in the electrolyte. For a given electrolyte concentration and electrode charge density, the diffuse layer potential drop in a small ion system is smaller than that in a large ion system. It is also displayed that the diffuse layer potential drop is always less than the value of the Gouy-Chapman (GC) theory, and the deviation increases as the electrode charge density increases for a given electrolyte concentration. These theoretical results are consistent with the results of the Monte-Carlo simulation [Fawcett and Smagala, Electrochimica Acta 53, 5136 (2008)], which indicates the importance of including steric effects in modeling diffuse layer properties.