Theory of electrochemical impedance of surface reactions: second-harmonic and large-amplitude response

Abstract

The theory for the electrochemical impedance of surface reactions involving a single adsorbed species is presented. A new methodology is used, in which many harmonics are considered, and the differential equations are reduced to algebraic matrix equations. The amplitude of the ac potential perturbation is not assumed to be small, and nonlinear effects are taken into account. The amplitude dependence of the impedance and the second-harmonic response are investigated. The quasi-reversible electrosorption reaction and the hydrogen evolution reaction are considered in detail, assuming that the adsorbed species obeys the Langmuir isotherm. Keywords: electrochemistry, impedance, adsorption, hydrogen evolution reaction, second harmonic.