ABSTRACT
Electrostatic forces-the strongest interparticle forces outside of
the nucleus-account for the stability of matter over a broad range
of length scales, from atoms to macromolecules to the myriad
materials that surround us. Colloidal particles (nanometers to
microns in size) and polymers can become charged in a polar solvent
(e.g., water) through dissociation of counterions [1]. Repulsive
Coulomb interactions between ions can then stabilize a suspension
or solution against aggregation due to ubiquitous van der Waals
attractive interactions [2]. Electrostatic interactions between ions
largely govern the equilibrium thermodynamic and dynamical prop-
erties of charge-stabilized colloidal suspensions and polyelectrolyte
solutions. Controlling mechanical and thermal stability is essential
to many applications, from foods and pharmaceuticals to filters and
photonic materials.
