Adsorption of the fluoride ion on the surface of various faces of a single crystal of silver: a quantum-chemical study

The fluoride ion adsorption from a gas phase on various faces of a single crystal of silver is studied by a density functional method within a cluster model for metal. The adsorption bond energy is found to increase in the series Ag(100) < Ag(111) < Ag(311) < Ag(110). A substantial structural and energetic heterogeneity of various adsorption sites is revealed. The results are utilized to simulate the electrochemical interface between individual faces of a single crystal of silver and aqueous solutions containing the fluoride ion. It is assumed that the adsorption potential may be represented as the sum of two contributions, one of which describes the metal–ion interaction and the other, the ion solvation energy. The plotted adsorption terms take into account partial degradation of the fluoride ion when adsorbed from an aqueous solution. Estimates of discreteness of the electrical double layer are presented. A conclusion on the maximum manifestation of specific adsorption of the fluoride ion for the Ag(100) face is made.