Potential-induced structural transitions of DL-homocysteine monolayers on Au(1Â 1Â 1) electrode surfaces

We propose that the voltammetric peaks are capacitive. The ordered domains are formed only around the potential of zero charge (pzc) and dissipate at potentials on either side of the peak, inducing mirror charge flow in the metallic electrode as the charged -COO− and -NH3+ groups approach the surface. No bands for carboxylate coordinated to the surface were observed in SNIFTIRS implying more subtle orientation changes of the charged groups on transcending the voltammetric peak. This scenario is incorporated in a simple phenomenological model.