Abstract
We predict a condensation phenomenon in an overall neutral system, consisting of a single charged plate and its oppositely charged counterions. Based on the “two-fluid” model, in which the counterions are divided into a “free” and a “condensed” fraction, we argue that for high surface charge, fluctuations can lead to a phase transition in which a large fraction of counterions is condensed. Furthermore, we show that depending on the valence, the condensation is either a first-order or a smooth transition.
Original language | English GB |
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Article number | 051502 |
Pages (from-to) | 7 |
Number of pages | 1 |
Journal | Physical Review E |
Volume | 65 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
- Statistics and Probability
- Condensed Matter Physics