A comprehensive continuum theory of structured liquids

Abstract

We develop a comprehensive continuum model capable of treating both electrostatic and structural interactions in liquid dielectrics. Starting from a two-order parameter description in terms of charge density and polarization, we derive a field-theoretic model generalizing previous theories. Our theory explicitly includes electrostatic and structural interactions in the bulk of the liquid and allows for polarization charges within a Drude model. In particular, we develop a detailed description of the boundary conditions which include the charge regulation mechanism and surface polarization. The general features for solving the saddle-point equations of our model are elucidated and future applications to predict and validate experimental results are outlined.

19 pages; accepted for publication in J. Phys. A

References in corpus (5)

• The nonlocal dielectric response of water in nanoconfinement
• Modified Poisson-Boltzmann equations and macroscopic forces in inhomogeneous ionic fluids
• Statistical field theory of ion-molecular solutions
• Electrostatic interactions mediated by polarizable counterions: weak and strong coupling limits
• Continuum theories of structured dielectrics

Cited by in corpus (1)

• Noether's second theorem and covariant field theory of mechanical stresses in inhomogeneous ionic liquids