Physics – Condensed Matter – Soft Condensed Matter
Scientific paper
2012-01-04
Physics
Condensed Matter
Soft Condensed Matter
21 pages, 7 figures
Scientific paper
We use a shell model to study the counterion interactions in a colloidal solution. In this shell model, the counterions are restricted to move inside a spherical region about their host colloidal particle. In particular, we apply Monte Carlo simulations to derive the energy and entropy contributions of the effective colloidal interaction. Our result reveals an attractive electrostatic energy, which is overpowered by the osmotic repulsion among the counterions, as the latter can be well estimated by an ideal-gas approximation. We also provide an optional algorithm that enables counterion mixing between the two counterion clouds even when the clouds do not overlap. The residual mixing entropy of counterions gives a reduction in free energy that is comparable to the thermal fluctuation, suggesting a possible attractive mechanism between the colloidal particles under non-equilibrium condition.
No associations
LandOfFree
Energy and entropy effects of counterions in salt-free colloidal solutions does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Energy and entropy effects of counterions in salt-free colloidal solutions, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Energy and entropy effects of counterions in salt-free colloidal solutions will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-156187