Consistent view of electrolytes in aqueous two-phase systems.

The effects of electrolytes in aqueous two-phase systems are investigated. It is shown that macroscopic and molecular models give a consistent view of electrolytes at interfaces. The electrostatic potential difference delta psi between coexisting phases is a common property at interfaces even though the phases are strictly electroneutral and delta psi can not be measured. It is shown how delta psi can be quantified under controlled conditions. Additionally, a molecular picture is presented based on computer simulations.