A mean-field theory of wetting by ionic solutions

The problem of wetting of a solid substrate by an ionic solution is examined theoretically, combining the classic Cahn theory for the solvent with the non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann treatment of the solute. The nature and location of the corresponding wetting transition are found to be particularly sensitive to the range and strength of the electrostatic interactions. These can be tuned, respectively, by changing the salt concentration and the substrate surface charge.