JPF: A general approach to select stable or metastable clusters of macroions of arbitrary shape

The juxtaposition of potential fields method (JPF) is based on the Gibbs-Du hem expression relating potential gradients of the various components in th e system, and the Bader vector gradient field interpretation of bonding in molecules. Stability of a cluster of macroions is thus inferred by the pres ence of a subregion in the vector gradient potential plots. The primary pre mise of the JPF interpretation is that the distribution of electrolyte ions set up by the field of the macroion cluster has a profound effect on the s tability of the cluster. One can discern in such a plot at least four disti nct regions related to the dynamics of the electrolyte ions. The sharing of counterions within overlapping nonlinear regions of neighboring macroions are a source of "attraction" between macroions in a cluster. The JPF method is applied herein to a cluster of spheres and of rods, with the suggestion that macroions of arbitrary shape may also be studied with this method.