Charge inversion of divalent ionic solutions in silica channels

Christian D. Lorenz and Alex Travesset
Phys. Rev. E 75, 061202 – Published 13 June 2007

Abstract

Recent experiments [F. H. J. van der Heyden et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 224502 (2006)] of streaming currents in silica nanochannels with divalent ions report charge inversion, i.e., interfacial charges attracting counterions in excess of their own nominal charge, in conflict with existing theoretical and simulation results. We reveal the mechanism of charge inversion by using all-atomic molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show excellent agreement with experiments, both qualitatively and quantitatively. We further discuss the implications of our study for the general problem of ionic correlations in solutions as well as in regards to the properties of silica-water interfaces.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 19 November 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.75.061202

©2007 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Christian D. Lorenz and Alex Travesset

  • Department of Physics and Astronomy and Ames Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 75, Iss. 6 — June 2007

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review E

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×