Poisson-Boltzmann theory of the charge-induced adsorption of semi-flexible polyelectrolytes

The electrostatic adsorption of semi-flexible polyelectrolytes was explained by an analytical theory based on two-dimensional model. Owing to the effective reversal of the charge sign of the surface upon adsorption, the adsorbed phase was thin. Repulsive surface polarization and counterion osmotic pressure effects dominated over the electrostatic attraction for small separations. The results show that for low to moderate charge densities of the adsorbing surface, the interstrand spacing decreases as a function of the charge density of the charged surface.