Mean-field beyond mean-field: the single particle view for moderately to strongly coupled charged fluids

TL;DR

This paper introduces a single particle approach that accurately describes moderately to strongly coupled charged fluids near interfaces, effectively incorporating inter-ionic interactions and validated by Monte Carlo simulations.

Contribution

It presents a novel single particle framework that accounts for inter-ionic interactions in strongly coupled charged fluids, improving upon previous models.

Findings

Excellent agreement with Monte Carlo simulations

Effective description of coupling regimes using single particle treatment

Enhanced understanding of charged fluids near dielectric interfaces

Abstract

In a counter-ion only charged fluid, Coulomb coupling is quantified by a single dimensionless parameter. Yet, the theoretical treatment of moderately to strongly coupled charged fluids is a difficult task, central to the understanding of a wealth of soft matter problems, including biological systems. We show that the corresponding coupling regime can be remarkably well described by a single particle treatment, which, at variance with previous works, takes due account of inter-ionic interactions. To this end, the prototypical problem of a planar charged dielectric interface is worked out. Testing our predictions against Monte Carlo simulation data reveals an excellent agreement.