Diffuse double layer charging in nonpolar liquids

Abstract

The presence of charges in nonpolar liquids is usually neglected. However, in some applications, they have important effects. In this work, an analytical description is given for the dynamics of diffuse double layers when a voltage step of the order of kT∕e is applied. Part of the result is an expression for the current, which is consistent with current measurements on nonpolar liquids and with other works. In measurements for higher voltages, we observe and briefly discuss nonlinear effects. From measurements both at high and at low voltages, we can obtain the same properties of the liquid.