Polyelectrolyte Adsorption
Abstract
The problem of charged polymer chains (polyelectrolytes) as they adsorb on a planar surface is addressed theoretically. We review the basic mechanisms and theory underlying polyelectrolyte adsorption on a single surface in two situations: adsorption of a single charged chain, and adsorption from a bulk solution in solvent conditions. The behavior of flexible and semi-rigid chains is discussed separately and is expressed as function of the polymer and surface charges, ionic strength of the solution and polymer bulk concentration. We mainly review mean-field results and briefly comment about fluctuation effects. The phenomenon of polyelectrolyte adsorption on a planar surface as presented here is of relevance to the stabilization of colloidal suspensions. In this respect we also mention calculations of the inter-plate force between two planar surfaces in presence of polyelectrolyte. Finally, we comment on the problem of charge overcompensation and its implication to multi-layers formation of alternating positive and negative polyelectrolytes on planar surfaces and colloidal particles.
Cite
@article{arxiv.cond-mat/0011072,
title = {Polyelectrolyte Adsorption},
author = {David Andelman and Jean-Francois Joanny},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cond-mat/0011072},
year = {2012}
}
Comments
11 pages, 4 PS figures (Latex/RevTex), submitted to C.R. Acad. Sci (Paris)