https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2014.013
Published: Kem. Ind. 64 (7-8) (2015) 353–362
Paper reference number: KUI-13/2014
Paper type: Review
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Protonation Equilibrium of Linear Homopolyacids

J. Požar

Abstract

The paper presents a short summary of investigations dealing with protonation equilibrium of linear homopolyacids, in particularly those of high charge density. Apart from the review of experimental results which can be found in the literature, a brief description of theoretical models used in processing the dependence of protonation constants on monomer dissociation degree and ionic strength is given (cylindrical model based on Poisson-Boltzmann equation, cylindrical Stern model, the models according to Ising, Högfeldt, Mandel and Katchalsky). The applicability of these models regarding the polyion charge density, electrolyte concentration and counterion type is discussed. The results of Monte Carlo simulations of protonation equilibrium are also briefly mentioned. In addition, frequently encountered errors connected with calibration of glass electrode and the related unreliability of determined protonation constants are pointed out.

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Keywords

polymer, polyelectrolyte, homopolyacid, protonation, counterions