The double-layer structure of overscreened surfaces by smeared-out ions

TL;DR

This paper investigates the layered charge structure near overscreened surfaces with smeared-out ions, exploring how bulk electrolyte properties influence the double-layer formation and charge inversion phenomena.

Contribution

It reveals the relationship between double-layer structure and bulk electrolyte properties, emphasizing the role of the Kirkwood crossover in overscreened charge distributions.

Findings

Charge inversion can occur with either oscillatory or monotonic decay profiles.

Layering of charge does not always coincide with charge inversion.

The Kirkwood crossover influences the structure of the double-layer.

Abstract

Charge inversion occurring for smeared-out ions is accompanied by an oscillatory charge density profile, indicating a layering of an alternating charge. The layering effect, however, is not coextensive with charge inversion, and charge inversion accompanied by a monotonically decaying profile is possible. The present work focuses on the structure of a double-layer of overscreened charged surfaces by smeared-out charges and probes the link between the structure of a double-layer and the bulk properties of an electrolyte, with special view to the role of the Kirkwood crossover.