The double-layer structure of overscreened surfaces by smeared-out ions

Abstract

Charge inversion occurring for smeared-out ions is accompanied by an oscillatory charge density profile, indicating a layering of an alternating charge. The layering effect, however, is not coextensive with charge inversion, and charge inversion accompanied by a monotonically decaying profile is possible. The present work focuses on the structure of a double-layer of overscreened charged surfaces by smeared-out charges and probes the link between the structure of a double-layer and the bulk properties of an electrolyte, with special view to the role of the Kirkwood crossover.