Absolute electrode potential and thermodynamics of single ions

A new method, relating the electrode potential to the radius of the solvated ion on whose activity the potential depends, has been developed for the determination of absolute electrode potentials and the thermodynamics of single ions in solution. It is successfully applied to the cells: Pt|H₂(g, 1 atm)|HX, solvent |AgX|Ag, and M|MX, solvent|AgX|Ag, in aqueous, partially aqueous, and non-aqueous solvents. The absolute electrode potentials have been computed in aqueous and methanol+water solvents. The single ion activities, activity coefficients, the radii of solvated cations, and their solvation extent have been calculated. The temperature variation of the standard absolute potential has been utilized to evaluate the standard thermodynamic functions for the electrode reactions, and the standard transfer thermodynamic quantities of single ions from water to methanolic solvents. The results are interpreted in terms of ion—solvent interactions as well as the structural features and the acid—base properties of these solvents.