Theory of Polyelectrolyte Solutions

Abstract

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 2. Charged chains at infinite dilution -asymptotic properties 2.1 Definition of the model and Flory-like calculation 2.2 Variational approaches 2.3 Renormalization group calculations2.4 Screening of electrostatic interactions 2.5 Annealed and quenched polyelectrolytes 3. Local aspects of screening 3.1 Counterion condensation 3.2 Poisson Boltzmann approach 3.3 Attractive electrostatic interactions 4. Electrostatic rigidity 4.1 The Odijk-Skolnick-Fixman theory 4.2 Alternative calculations for flexible chains 4.3 The case of poor solvents 5. Charged gels and brushes 5.1 Grafted polyelectrolyte layers 5.2 Polyelectrolyte gels 6. Semidilute solutions 6.1 Ordering transitions in polyelectrolyte solutions 6.2 Correlation length and osmotic pressure of semi-dilute polyelectrolyte solutions 6.3 Electrostatic rigidity in semidilute solutions 6.4 Concentrated solutions of flexible polyelectrolytes 6.5 Mesophase formation in poor solvents 7. Dynamical properties 7.1 Mobility and electrophoretic mobility of a single charged chain 7.2 Viscosity of polyelectrolyte solutions 8. Conclusions

On the importance of hydrodynamic interactions in polyelectrolyte electrophoresis

“…While there exist several theories [4,5,6,7] that have been successfully used to describe qualitatively the experimentally observed behaviour of various PEs, there are still many open problems to address.…”

Electrophoretic mobilities of dissolved polyelectrolyte charging agent and suspended non-colloidal titanium during electrophoretic deposition

“…However, the movement of dissolved PDADMAC charging agent in the suspension and its contribution to the light scattering measurements typically are not considered despite the well established measurement of the electrophoretic mobility of polyelectrolytes in solution [20][21][22][23][24]. Consequently, solutions of PDADMAC in absolute ethanol were prepared and the electrophoretic mobilities and electrical conductivities were determined simultaneously as a function of wt% PDADMAC level.…”

Mesoscale modelling of polyelectrolyteelectrophoresis

“…In order to be able to improve the processes involved in current electrophoretic separation methods it is a prerequisite to gain a thorough understanding of the behaviour of polyelectrolytes (PEs) in an externally applied electric field. Several theories [5,6,7,8] have been developed to describe PE electrophoresis and successfully described qualitatively the experimentally observed behaviour of various PEs under bulk conditions. However, the mobility of small oligomeric PEs showed under low salt conditions a non-monotonic behaviour that current theories had not been able to explain.…”