Electrostatic interaction and partitioning of ion-penetrable spheres

Electrostatic interaction between two ion-penetrable spheres near a horizon tal plate or in a slit pore is investigated theoretically. The orientation of the line connecting the two particle centers can be arbitrary relative t o the plate(s). The electrostatic interaction energy and force on each part icle are obtained analytically by the method of images. Emphasis is placed on the effect of the presence of the second particle, compared to the case of a single particle or the case without any plate(s). It is found that the horizontal electrical force on each particle is always repulsive. This rep ulsive force is enhanced by the plate(s) of constant surface charge density , while it is reduced by the plate(s) of constant surface potential. The el ectrostatic interaction together with the steric effect is used to determin e the partition coefficient for the case of a slit pore, correct to O(C-inf inity), where C-infinity is the volume fraction of particles in the bulk so lution. The positive correction coefficient is larger for conducting plates than for insulating plates. (C) 2001 Academic Press.