Anomalous microion distribution of concentrated electrolytes in the underscreening regime: Monte Carlo simulations

The electrostatic screening phenomena on a macroion in 1:1 concentrated electrolytes are investigated in an underscreening regime. Using the primitive model, we obtained the density profile of microions near a macroion through Monte Carlo simulations. Beyond a critical electrolyte concentration, the density of both coions and counterions is at a maximum near a macroion. Consequently, the behaviour of microions in concentrated electrolyte solutions cannot be explained by the traditional picture of electric double layers. Additionally, we investigated the dependence of this phenomenon on the size of microions. These results shed light on the anomalous microion distribution of electrolytes due to the ion-ion correlations in the underscreening regime.

Automated summary

The research investigates the electrostatic screening phenomena on a macroion in 1:1 concentrated electrolytes in the underscreening regime. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the density profile of microions near a macroion was obtained, revealing that both coions and counterions reach maximum density near the macroion beyond a critical electrolyte concentration. The phenomenon of microions in concentrated electrolyte solutions cannot be explained by traditional electric double layers, shedding light on anomalous microion distribution due to ion-ion correlations in the underscreening regime.