Quantitative insights into electrostatics and structure of polymer brushes from microslit electrokinetic experiments and advanced modelling of interfacial electrohydrodynamics

The development of theories for the electrohydrodynamics at soft surfaces enabled major progress in quantitative interpretation streaming current and surface conductivity data collected polymer brushes. In this paper, we review basics methodology discuss illustrative examples practical interest. particular, demonstrate how combination self-consistent field electrokinetic using Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) formulations allow evaluation segment density distribution within poly(ethylene oxide) brushes beyond resolution limits neutron reflectivity. application analysis charge, structure, pairing with chaotropic anions is illustrated strong cationic poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride) Finally, report refinements PB theory that account ion hydration, pairing, dielectric decrement present an example glycosaminoglycan where those effects are significant. • Theoretical framework electrokinetics Combined to unravel brush profiles. Quantification Refined decrement.