An algorithm for estimating colloidal heterointeractions based on decoupling the Poisson-Boltzmann equation

Abstract

An algorithm is presented for calculating the colloidal heterointeraction double-layer energy between spheres whose surface potentials may be very high. In most systems of industrial and biological importance, heterointeractions between particles with high surface potentials are often encountered, and the energy of interacting particles is needed in estimating the stability of such suspensions. The electrical double-layer energy of interaction is computed from the electrical potential distribution between and around the interacting particles and necessitates the solution of the non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation. In this study, the double-layer potential between two plates is assumed to be the sum of the potentials of two overlapping double-layers. This approach reproduces the exact double-layer potential distribution accurately. Although it makes use of empiricism, it offers advantages in obtaining the double-layer potential distribution more efficiently.