Weak electrolytes at equilibrium interfaces

Abstract

The Wien effect on the dissociation of a weak electrolyte at an equilibrium electrode is examined theoretically by a perturbation method. An observable correction of the minimum capacitance of the interface is predicted quantitatively. The correction changes sign with the sign of the charge in solution; for a molar aqueous solution of acetic acid at room temperature it is approximately 1.5 × 10^–2µF/cm².