Complex formation in solutions of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes at different polyion compositions and salt content

Hayashi, Y. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9207-6322, Ullner, M. and Linse, P. (2003) Complex formation in solutions of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes at different polyion compositions and salt content. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 107 (32). pp. 8198-8207. ISSN 1520-6106 doi: 10.1021/jp022491a

Abstract/Summary

The formation of complexes in solutions containing positively charged polyions (polycations) and a variable amount of negatively charged polyions (polyanions) has been investigated by Monte Carlo simulations. The polyions were described as flexible chains of charged hard spheres interacting through a screened Coulomb potential. The systems were analyzed in terms of cluster compositions, structure factors, and radial distribution functions. At 50% charge equivalence or less, complexes involving two polycations and one polyanion were frequent, while closer to charge equivalence, larger clusters were formed. Small and neutral complexes dominated the solution at charge equivalence in a monodisperse system, while larger clusters again dominated the solution when the polyions were made polydisperse. The cluster composition and solution structure were also examined as functions of added salt by varying the electrostatic screening length. The observed formation of clusters could be rationalized by a few simple rules.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/30822
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences > Department of Bio-Engineering
Publisher	American Chemical Society
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item