On the fractality of Hg/non-aqueous solution interfaces

The fractal morphology of adsorbed triphenylphosphine oxide layer at the hanging mercury drop electrode is investigated in pure formamide, N-methylformamide and N,N-dimethylformamide solutions. Although no typical indications are detected for the occurrence of a phase transition during the development of the adsorbed film, the increase of fractal dimension from 2.00 to non-integer greater than 2.00 values, by the introduction of triphenylphosphine oxide, is systematically confirmed for the above solvents except N,N-dimethylformamide. These findings are interpreted at a qualitative level in terms of the structure making ability of the interfacial solvent.