Density functional theory of inhomogeneous classical fluids: recent developmentsand new perspectives

Abstract

An introduction is given to this special issue which focuses on recentdevelopments and future perspectives in density functional theoryof inhomogeneous classical fluids. Different strategies and applicationsof classical density functional theory are discussed. The topics brieflytreated are different approximation schemes for different interparticleinteractions, binary mixtures and polydisperse systems, application tointerfaces, wetting, confined geometries and porous media and also dynamicalproblems treated by density functional theory. Particular emphasis is placedon recent applications of Rosenfeld’s fundamental measure approach.Finally a guide is presented to the subsequent articles in this Special Issue.