Maximum surface tension and optimum surface electron density

Following the fundamental principle of minimum potential energy and using the notion of the partial charge transfer for halide ions adsorption on mercury, gallium and amalgam electrodes, we have introduced the notion of the “optimum surface electron density”. It corresponds to maximums of electrocapillary curves of mercury-like metals at zero charge potentials in surface inactive electrolytes. Any reversible adsorption of surface active substances violates the optimum surface electron density and consequently decreases and shifts the electrocapillary maximum.

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► Any reversible adsorption decreases Hg electrocapillary maximum.
► New notion of “optimum surface electron density” is introduced.
► Electrocapillary maximums reflect minimums of potential energy.