Simulations of Polyelectrolyte Adsorption to a Dielectric Like-Charged Surface.
We explore, using the recently developed efficient Monte Carlo simulation method, the interaction of an anionic polyelectrolyte solution with a like-charged dielectric surface. In addition to polyions, the solution also contains salt with either monovalent, divalent, or trivalent counterions. In agreement with recent experimental observations, we find that multivalent counterions can lead to strong adsorption of polyions onto the surface. On the other hand, addition of a 1:1 electrolyte diminishes the adsorption induced by the multivalent counterions. Dielectric discontinuity at the interface is found to play only a marginal role in polyion adsorption.
Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul , Caixa Postal 15051, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Alexandre P
AP
Dos Santos
Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul , Caixa Postal 15051, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Matheus
M
Girotto
Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul , Caixa Postal 15051, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Yan
Y
Levin