Ion size correlations and charge reversal in real colloids

This work is a critical survey on the relevance of ion size correlations in real colloidal systems (focused mainly on solutions with multivalent counterions). A sophisticated electrophoresis theory (in which ionic steric correlations are taken into account) will be applied to analyze experimental data, which will be also compared with predictions of the classical approach. In addition, we will discuss to what extent ion size correlations contribute to charge reversal in colloids of biological nature and other real colloids. Unlike the classical Poisson-Boltzmann approach, the presented theory describes the charge inversion that occurs within aqueous latexes when increasing the trivalent aqueous electrolyte concentration well above the mmolar range.