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# Liquids that can auto-ionize show a p-n junction effect when adsorbed to surfaces
Consider individual molecules in a liquid such as methanol or water. At surfaces these molecules can bind to, each molecule that anchors to the surface can serve as an anchor for further molecules, and so forth. With this effect, multiple layers of immobile molecules can form at the surface. The molecules will also bond sideways within each layer, and should orient themselves in whatever way fits best. The organization that forms should be an intermediary between the solid phase of the substance, and the liquid phase.
If the liquid can auto-ionize by transfer of a hydrogen ion, the hydrogen ion will be free to move while the conjugate anion is locked into the adsorbed phase. As the hydrogen ions diffuse outwards, an electric field strength will increase between the then negatively charged adsorbed phase, and the surrounding protonated liquid. The equilibrium is a separation of charges into a positively charged layer of liquid phase on top of the negatively charged adsorbed phase. Because the charges are physically separated, the probability of recombination of the ions is reduced, and the result is an increase in the number of ionized molecules.