Thin layer analysis of a non-local model for the double layer structure

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the boundary layer structure of a non-local elliptic model for the electrical double layer, revealing how ions approach neutrality in the bulk and accumulate near charged surfaces, with implications for capacitance.

Contribution

The paper develops new analytical techniques to study thin boundary layers in a non-local Poisson--Nernst--Planck model, including effects of curvature in simple geometries.

Findings

Boundary layer solutions show ions approach neutrality in the bulk.

Charges accumulate near the charged surface, creating a non-neutral zone.

The analysis relates boundary layer properties to the capacitance of cylindrical electrodes.

Abstract

For the structure of the thin electrical double layer~(EDL) and the property related to the EDL capacitance, we analyze boundary layer solutions (corresponding to the electrostatic potential) of a non-local elliptic equation which is a steady-state Poisson--Nernst--Planck equation with a singular perturbation parameter related to the small Debye screening length. Theoretically, the boundary layer solutions describe that those ions exactly approach neutrality in the bulk, and the extra charges are accumulated near the charged surface. Hence, the non-neutral phenomenon merely occurs near the charged surface. To investigate such phenomena, we develop new analysis techniques to investigate thin boundary layer structures. A series of fine estimates combining the Poho\v{z}aev's identity, the inverse H\"{o}lder type estimates and some technical comparison arguments are developed in arbitrary bounded domains. Moreover, we focus on the physical domain being a ball with the simplest geometry and gain a clear picture on the effect of the curvature on the boundary layer solutions. In particular, for the cylindrical electrode, our result has a same analogous measurement as the specific capacitance of the well-known Helmholtz double layer.