One hundred years of electrified interfaces: The Poisson-Boltzmann theory and some recent advancements

by David Andelman

Tel Aviv University

at Physics Colloquium

Mon, 06 Jun 2022, 16:10
Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology (51), room 015

Abstract

The Poisson-Boltzmann theory is a mean-field description of ionic solutions and electrified interfaces, and has been instrumental during the last century to predict charge distributions and interactions between charged surfaces, membranes, electrodes as well as macromolecules and colloids. While the electrostatic model of charged fluids, on which the Poisson-Boltzmann description rests, and its statistical mechanical consequences have been scrutinized in great detail, much less is understood about its probable shortcomings when dealing with various aspects of real physical, chemical, and biological systems. After a short review of the Poisson-Boltzmann theory, I will discuss several modern extensions and modifications as applied to ions and macromolecules in confined geometries. They include among others the effect of dipolar solvent molecules, finite size of ions, ionic specificity, surface tension and conductivity of concentrated ionic solutions.

*** Refreshments will be served from 15:50 ***

Created on 31-05-2022 by Kats, Yevgeny (katsye)
Updaded on 31-05-2022 by Kats, Yevgeny (katsye)