Field-Theoretic Simulations of Polyelectrolyte Complexation

Abstract

We briefly discuss our recent field-theoretic study of polyelectrolyte complexation, which occurs in solutions of two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Charged systems require theoretical methods beyond the mean-field (or self-consistent field) approximation; indeed, mean-field theory is qualitatively incorrect for such polyelectrolyte solutions. Both analytical (one-loop) and numerical (complex Langevin) methods to account for charge correlations are discussed. In particular, the first application of field-theoretic simulations to polyelectrolyte systems is reported. The polyelectrolyte charge-charge correlation length and a phase diagram are provided; effects of charge redistribution are qualitatively explored.

7 pages, 3 figures, 3 equations, LaTeX; accepted to Journal of Polymer Science B: Polymer Physics; v2: a revised and expanded version, 6 paragraphs of text and about 20 references added