PHASE-TRANSITIONS AT THE ELECTROCHEMICAL INTERFACE

Structural transformations at the electrochemical interface induced by variation of the electrode potential are overviewed, ranging from the transitions in adsorbed layers to surface reconstruction. Particular emphasis is given to the missing row reconstruction on noble metals, f or which relatively simple statistical theory is developed. The phase diagram in the charge temperature plane is analyzed for systems with a nd without specific adsorption of ions. The role of water in reconstru ction-deconstruction transitions is discussed, together with the effec t of reconstruction on the double-layer capacitance.