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Plasmonic in-situ imaging of zeta potential distributions at electrochemical interfaces of 2D materials in water

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  • Xiaona Zhao

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xiao-Li Zhou

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    Nanjing University of Science and Technology)

  • Cheng-Xin Cao

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xin Xi

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xian-Wei Liu

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China)

Abstract

Understanding the electrical double layer (EDL) at solid-liquid interfaces is pivotal across various fields, including energy storage, electrowetting, and electrocatalysis, yet probing its structure and heterogeneity remains a considerable challenge. Here, we report an optical method for the direct visualization and quantification of the zeta potential (ζ) across the interfaces between 2D materials and aqueous solutions. By modulating surface charge density, we map the heterogenous distribution of ζ potential across the MoS2 nanosheet interface, revealing how both external factors and intrinsic material properties shape interfacial charge. This approach overcomes the drawbacks of conventional methods for evaluating ζ potential in 2D materials, providing insights into elucidate the complex interplay between the ζ potential and the catalytic activity of 2D materials. Furthermore, it establishes a robust framework for exploring the EDL in various electrochemical systems. Our findings reveal a deeper understanding of complex electrochemical interface interactions, offering valuable insights into the fundamental processes governing these systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaona Zhao & Xiao-Li Zhou & Cheng-Xin Cao & Xin Xi & Xian-Wei Liu, 2025. "Plasmonic in-situ imaging of zeta potential distributions at electrochemical interfaces of 2D materials in water," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58793-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58793-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shujiao Yang & Kaihang Yue & Xiaohan Liu & Sisi Li & Haoquan Zheng & Ya Yan & Rui Cao & Wei Zhang, 2024. "Electrocatalytic water oxidation with manganese phosphates," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Xiaona Zhao & Xiao-Li Zhou & Si-Yu Yang & Yuan Min & Jie-Jie Chen & Xian-Wei Liu, 2022. "Plasmonic imaging of the layer-dependent electrocatalytic activity of two-dimensional catalysts," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
    3. Qian Wu & Chencheng Dai & Fanxu Meng & Yan Jiao & Zhichuan J. Xu, 2024. "Potential and electric double-layer effect in electrocatalytic urea synthesis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    4. Mohammad Heiranian & Amir Barati Farimani & Narayana R. Aluru, 2015. "Water desalination with a single-layer MoS2 nanopore," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-6, December.
    5. Gang Wu & Chen Qian & Wen-Li Lv & Xiaona Zhao & Xian-Wei Liu, 2023. "Dynamic imaging of interfacial electrochemistry on single Ag nanowires by azimuth-modulated plasmonic scattering interferometry," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    6. Seung-Jae Shin & Dong Hyun Kim & Geunsu Bae & Stefan Ringe & Hansol Choi & Hyung-Kyu Lim & Chang Hyuck Choi & Hyungjun Kim, 2022. "On the importance of the electric double layer structure in aqueous electrocatalysis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
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