Abstract
A single flexible polyelectrolyte chain in salt solution is studied by means of Monte Carlo simulations and within a mean field theory. The effect of salt has been treated both explicitly and in an approximate way using the screened Coulomb potential. The general conclusion is that the latter approximation is an excellent one for low and moderate salt concentrations of 1 : 1 electrolyte. The introduction of divalent ions requires a more stringent treatment in the theory including both nonlinear effects and possibly also ion-ion correlations. The mean field theory, incorporating nearest-neighbour interactions within the chain, is qualitatively correct, although it fails in the quantitative comparisons. Further extensions of the mean field theory, incorporating more explicit interactions within the polyelectrolyte chain, are discussed and it is concluded that these extensions are not likely to give a general improvement.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
