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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Modeling the camel-to-bell shape transition of the differential capacitance using mean-field theory and Monte Carlo simulations

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Author(s):
Bossa, V, Guilherme ; Caetano, Daniel L. Z. [1] ; de Carvalho, Sidney J. [1] ; Bohinc, Klemen [2] ; May, Sylvio [3]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Bossa, Guilherme, V, Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Dept Phys, Inst Biosci Humanities & Exact Sci, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Ljubljana, Fac Hlth Sci, Poljanska 26a, Ljubljana 1000 - Slovenia
[3] Bossa, Guilherme, V, North Dakota State Univ, Dept Phys, Fargo, ND 58108 - USA
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL E; v. 41, n. 9 SEP 27 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

Mean-field electrostatics is used to calculate the differential capacitance of an electric double layer formed at a planar electrode in a symmetric 1:1 electrolyte. Assuming the electrolyte is also ion-size symmetric, we derive analytic expressions for the differential capacitance valid up to fourth order in the surface charge density or surface potential. Our mean-field model accounts exclusively for electrostatic interactions but includes an arbitrary non-ideality in the mixing entropy of the mobile ions. The ensuing criterion for the camel-to-bell shape transition of the differential capacitance is analyzed using commonly used mixing models (one based on a lattice gas and the other based on the Carnahan-Starling equation of state) and compared with Monte Carlo simulations. We observe a reasonable agreement between all our mean-field models and the simulation data for the camel-to-bell shape transition. The absolute value of the differential capacitance for an uncharged (or weakly charged) electrode is, however, not reproduced by our mean-field approaches, not even upon introducing a Stern layer with a thickness equal of the ion radius. We show that, if a Stern layer is introduced, its thickness dependence on the ion size is non-monotonic or, depending on the salt concentration, even inversely proportional. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/21772-2 - Extensions of the Poisson-Boltzmann Theory to the study of the differential capacitance of an electrical double layer
Grantee:Guilherme Volpe Bossa
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 18/01841-2 - Computational Simulation Studies on the Interaction Between Polyelectrolytes and Macromolecules
Grantee:Sidney Jurado de Carvalho
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants