Theory of electrotuneable mechanical force of solid-liquid interfaces: A self-consistent treatment of short-range van der Waals forces and long-range electrostatic forces

Hai Na Chen*, Le Yang*, Jun Huang, Wei Li Song, Hao Sen Chen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Elucidating the mechanical forces between two solid surfaces immersed in a communal liquid environment is crucial for understanding and controlling adhesion, friction, and electrochemistry in many technologies. Although traditional models can adequately describe long-range mechanical forces, they require substantial modifications in the nanometric region where electronic effects become important. A hybrid quantum-classical model is employed herein to investigate the separation-dependent disjoining pressure between two metal surfaces immersed in an electrolyte solution under potential control. We find that the pressure between surfaces transits from a long-range electrostatic interaction, attractive or repulsive depending on the charging conditions of surfaces, to a strong short-range van der Waals attraction and then an even strong Pauli repulsion due to the redistribution of electrons. The underlying mechanism of the transition, especially the attractive-repulsive one in the short-range region, is elucidated. This work contributes to the understanding of electrotunable friction and lubrication in a liquid environment.

Original languageEnglish
Article number084110
JournalJournal of Chemical Physics
Volume161
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Aug 2024

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Chen, H. N., Yang, L., Huang, J., Song, W. L., & Chen, H. S. (2024). Theory of electrotuneable mechanical force of solid-liquid interfaces: A self-consistent treatment of short-range van der Waals forces and long-range electrostatic forces. Journal of Chemical Physics, 161(8), Article 084110. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0220779