A new insight into the counterion distribution of charged polymer brushes

Counterions distribution of a number of polyeletrolyte brushes are investigated using a combination of methods as QCM-D, ellipsomety and single molecule fluorescence microscopy. The experiemtnal evidence show that, as the salt level increases, counterions penetrate into the brushes, bringing about enhanced swelling and mechanical response of the brushes. The results have privided a new picture about counterion distribution of charged polymer brushes.