A three-component model on the structure of colloidal solution with size-asymmetric electrolytes

ABSTRACT

A three-component model on the structure of colloidal solution with size asymmetric electrolytes is attempted here using density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulation. The solvent is represented as an individual component along with that as a dielectric continuum. The theory uses a weighted density approximation for the hard-sphere contribution to the free energy, whereas the ionic contribution is evaluated through a perturbation expansion around the bulk density. The theory is found to reproduce the simulation data quite well for a wide range of parametric conditions. The present study reflects the importance of the presence of the solvent in determining the structural behaviour of spherical double layers.

Keywords:

• Theory of electrolyte solution
• density functional theory
• complex fluids
• electric double layers
• Monte Carlo simulations

Acknowledgments

The author gratefully acknowledges Swapan K. Ghosh for helpful discussions during this work. It is a pleasure to thank B.N. Jagatap for his kind interest and constant encouragement.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.