Eur. Phys. J. E 8, 339-346 (2002)
DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2002-10019-y
Equilibrium charge distribution on annealed polyelectrolytes
T. Zito and C. SeidelMax-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflächenforschung, Am Mühlenberg, D-14476 Golm, Germany (Mailing address: D-14424 Potsdam, Germany.) seidel@mpikg-golm.mpg.de
(Received 7 March 2002 and Received in final form 28 May 2002)
Abstract
Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the non-uniform equilibrium
charge distribution along a single annealed polyelectrolyte chain
under
solvent conditions and with added salt. Within a range of
the order of the Debye length charge accumulates at chain ends
while a slight charge depletion appears in the central part of the
chain. The simulation results are compared with theoretical
predictions recently given by Castelnovo et al. In the parameter range
where the theory can be applied we find almost perfect quantitative
agreement.
61.25.Hq - Macromolecular and polymer solutions; polymer melts; swelling.
36.20.-r - Macromolecules and polymer molecules.
05.20.-y - Classical statistical mechanics.
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag 2002
