Adsorption/desorption of ions and molecules at electrochemical interfaces between gold and ionic liquids

Understanding the electrochemical processes that occur at the interfaces between single-crystal electrodes and ionic liquids (ILs) provides valuable knowledge for controlling these processes for electrochemical applications. In this chapter, we focus on the electrochemical processes that occur at Au(hkl)|IL interfaces. First, the electrochemical potential windows of Au(hkl)|IL interfaces were evaluated in relation to the work function of Au(hkl). Second, the complicated voltammetric features of Au(hkl)|IL interfaces, their dependence on the crystallographic orientation of Au, and the characteristic potential-dependent interfacial structures are discussed. Finally, we summarize two specific cases of adlayer-induced electrochemical reactions at Au(hkl)|IL interfaces: (i) the newly discovered electrochemical dissolution of Au in bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide-based ILs, facilitated by an iodine adlayer; and (ii) the multiple redox reactions of fullerene thin films in ILs.