Abstract :
Based on thermodynamic arguments, a simple formula is derived that relates the 2D-isothermal compressibility, κ2D, directly to (∂LD/∂E)T and (∂LD/∂N)T, where LD is the stripe separation of the Au(1 1 1) surface, E is the applied electrode potential and N is the surface concentration of deposit. It accounts for the deposition-induced compression of the top most Au(1 1 1) surface layer during gold deposition. Furthermore, the value of κ2D for the deposited gold layer on Au(1 1 1) surface has been experimentally determined. The results reveal that the κ2Dvalue for gold does not match the reported trend for other metals.