Charge fluctuations and counterion condensation
Abstract
We predict a condensation phenomenon in an overall neutral system, consisting of a single charged plate and its oppositely charged counterions. Based on the ``two-fluid'' model, in which the counterions are divided into a ``free'' and a ``condensed'' fraction, we argue that for high surface charge, fluctuations can lead to a phase transition in which a large fraction of counterions is condensed. Furthermore, we show that depending on the valence, the condensation is either a first-order or a smooth transition.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review E
- Pub Date:
- May 2002
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevE.65.051502
- arXiv:
- arXiv:cond-mat/0202428
- Bibcode:
- 2002PhRvE..65e1502L
- Keywords:
-
- 61.20.Qg;
- 61.25.Hq;
- 87.15.Nn;
- Structure of associated liquids: electrolytes molten salts etc.;
- Macromolecular and polymer solutions;
- polymer melts;
- swelling;
- Properties of solutions;
- aggregation and crystallization of macromolecules;
- Condensed Matter - Soft Condensed Matter
- E-Print:
- 16 pages, 1 figure, accepted to be published in PRE