Macroscopic forces in inhomogeneous polyelectrolyte solutions

TL;DR

This paper develops a self-consistent field theory to describe macroscopic forces in inhomogeneous polyelectrolyte solutions, revealing complex stress contributions and anomalous behaviors in confined geometries.

Contribution

It introduces an analytical stress tensor incorporating hydrostatic, electrostatic, and conformational stresses for polyelectrolyte solutions, advancing understanding of their macroscopic force behavior.

Findings

Derived an analytical expression for the stress tensor in polyelectrolyte solutions.

Observed anomalous disjoining pressure and capacitance in confined solutions.

Applied theory to nanopore confinement, revealing complex force interactions.

Abstract

In this paper, we present a self-consistent field theory of macroscopic forces in spatially inhomogeneous flexible chain polyelectrolyte solutions. We derive an analytical expression for a stress tensor which consists of three terms: isotropic hydrostatic stress, electrostatic (Maxwell) stress, and stress rising from conformational entropy of polymer chains -- conformational stress. We apply our theory to the description of polyelectrolyte solutions confined in a conductive slit nanopore and observe anomalous behavior of disjoining pressure and electric differential capacitance.