On the crystallization of macroionic solutions

Abstract

The Kirkwood theory of solutions of spherical ions is applied to aqueous solutions of macroions plus counter ions and to macroions in strong salt solutions. It is shown that the theory exhibits a mean field phase transition which is interpreted as a transition to the crystalline phase. The theory provides a qualitative explanation of the solidification recently observed in polystyrene sphere and spherical virus solutions. For fixed macroion charge the results are shown to be only weakly dependent upon salt concentration.