A network simulation method for numerical solution of the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation for a spheroidal surface

The network approach has been applied to derive the electrostatic potential distribution for a spheroidal colloid particle immersed in electrolyte solutions. A network model for the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation in curvilinear coordinates has been proposed. With this model and an electrical circuit simulation program, any quantity characteristic of the diffuse double layer of a spheroidal particle can be easily obtained for arbitrary values of the parameters that characterize the shape of the spheroid, surface potentials, and ionic concentrations and valencies. The method proves to be quite general, extremely efficient, and applicable to a great variety of double-layer compositions. (C) 1999 Academic Press.