Dynamics and metastable surface structure of double atomic layer of water molecules and ions at the interface between KBr(c) and water

Abstract

The metastable surface structure and dynamics of water molecules, cations, and anions at the interface between KBr(001) and water have been demonstrated from the images in situ observed in atomic resolution using atomic force microscopy. The vertical motion of potassium ions, which means their own transfer from the equilibrium sites to the upper height right on the underlying bromide ions, has been observed at the interface. They are used to be located in some steady state stabilized by their interaction with water molecules in the double atomic layer at the interface. The observed water molecules bridge two bromide ions by hydrogen bond; the water molecules are sandwiched by the potassium ions and vice versa.