Comments on the linear modified Poisson-Boltzmann equation in electrolyte solution theory

Abstract

Three analytic results are proposed for a linear form of the modified Poisson-Boltzmann equation in the theory of bulk electrolytes. Comparison is also made with the mean spherical approximation results. The linear theories predict a transition of the mean electrostatic potential from a Debye-H\"{u}ckel type damped exponential to a damped oscillatory behaviour as the electrolyte concentration increases beyond a critical value. The screening length decreases with increasing concentration when the mean electrostatic potential is damped oscillatory. A comparison is made with one set of recent experimental screening results for aqueous NaCl electrolytes.