A non-equilibrium configuration theory of polyelectrolyte adsorption

Abstract

The adsorption of polyelectrolytes is poorly understood, with experiments suggesting irreversible behaviour beyond the scope of equilibrium theories. We propose a new sequential adsorption theory which has quantitatively different predictions from the equilibrium case. In particular, the predicted threshold value of the surface concentration at which no more polymer can adsorb is much smaller and thus there are more likely to be extended states of adsorbed polymer.