Charge inversion by multivalent ions: Dependence on dielectric constant and surface-charge density

K. Besteman*, M. A.G. Zevenbergen, S. G. Lemay

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

119 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Charge inversion occurs when the effective charge of a surface exposed to solution reverses polarity due to an excess of counterions accumulating in the immediate vicinity of the surface. Using atomic force spectroscopy, we have directly measured the effect on charge inversion of changing the dielectric constant of the solvent and the surface-charge density. Both decreasing the dielectric constant and increasing the bare surface-charge density lower the charge-inversion concentration. These observations are consistent with the theoretical proposal that spatial correlations between ions are the dominant driving mechanism for charge inversion.

Original languageEnglish
Article number061501
JournalPhysical Review E - Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
Volume72
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2005
Externally publishedYes

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