Influence of an electrostatic potential at the metal/electrolyte interface on the electron binding energy of adsorbates as probed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

We present a study of the influence of an electrostatic potential across the Au(1 1 1)/4,4′-dithiodipyridine (PySSPy)-SAM/0.01 M NaOH interface on the electron binding energies of the N 1s and S 2p orbitals of the adsorbate, as probed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The observed systematic binding energy shift for N(1s) with electrode potential of −0.9 eV/V has been assigned to a so-called electrochemical shift, i.e., an apparent shift of the binding energy due to the potential drop in the electric double layer. No systematical shift was observed for the S(2p) core level of the thiol with electrode potential. The results are contrasted by measurements in 0.1 M H₂SO₄, where no electrochemical shift was found for the protonated nitrogen.