(52h) Exploring How Electric Double Layer Formation Influences Electrocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Conversion

Electric double layer formation at electrode-electrolyte interfaces often governs electrochemical reaction rates and selectivity. This is especially true for carbon dioxide reduction where multiple competing reaction pathways are present. While double layer formation has remained an active area of research for more than a century, most frameworks used to predict double layer properties remain rooted in classical theory, which neglects ion-ion interactions and assumes surface potentials are comparable to thermal energy (~25 mV). Yet, studies increasingly highlight how ion-ion interactions fundamentally alter double layer formation and interface properties. This is especially true in ionic liquids, where ionic correlations often govern reaction rates and selectivity. I will present our work aimed at linking nanoscale structures and dynamics of ionic liquid-solid interfaces to rates and selectivity of CO₂ electrochemical reduction as a model for studying how ion assembly influences electrocatalysis. I will also highlight our work bridging surface forces measurements with electrochemical analysis to understand how nanoscale ion assembly influences interfacial properties. I will conclude with our perspective on how electrocatalysis can serve as a powerful tool to study double layer formation in concentrated electrolytes.