Statistical Field Theory of Ion-Molecular Fluids: Fundamentals and Applications in Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry

This book presents statistical physics methods based on self-consistent field theory for describing the thermodynamic properties of ion-molecular systems, including electrolyte solutions, ionic liquids, polymeric ionic liquids, and metal-organic complexes. The methods are applicable in both the bulk and at interfaces, taking into account the molecular structure of these systems. The book also provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of art on statistical field theory for ion-molecular systems. It is primarily intended for researchers and graduate students in physical chemistry and condensed matter physics, as well as for physical chemists, physicists, and engineers interested in molecular system theory and simulation. By presenting these approaches, the book aims to enable readers to solve various problems in physical chemistry and electrochemistry using the methods described. The authors attempted to focus on specific issues and provide the necessary theoretical background. The book includes a mathematical introduction that readers can consult if they need clarification on any mathematical concepts or details omitted in the main text. In order to read the book, it is recommended that readers have a basic understanding of calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory, which can be acquired through standard university courses.

Yury A. Budkov obtained his master degree in theoretical and mathematical physics from Dubna State University, Dubna, Russia in 2010. During his university studies he worked as a senior assistant in the N.N. Bogolyubov laboratory of theoretical physics of JINR under the supervision of Prof. Garii Efimov. From 2010-2013 Yury was a PhD student at the Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Ivanovo, Russia) working with Prof. Mikhail Kiselev (supervisor) and Prof. Nikolai Brilliantov (co-supervisor). In 2013 he earned his PhD in Physical chemistry from the Institute of Solution Chemistry. In 2014 he has been visiting the the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences, Computational Physical Chemistry and Biophysics Group, Leipzig, Germany.  During summer 2014 Yury worked on personal research project (financing from DAAD) on theory and simulations of polyelectrolyte chains in external electric field under supervision of Dr. Christian Seidel and Prof. Nikolai Brilliantov at Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany. In 2015 he was appointed Senior Lecturer at the School of Applied Mathematics of HSE University, Moscow, Russia and in 2017 – Associate Professor at the same University. In 2019 Yury defended his doctorate thesis in Condensed matter physics at School of Applied Mathematics of HSE University and then got a position of Head of Laboratory at Institute of Solution Chemistry and becomes a full professor of the HSE. In 2024 he joined the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Modified Surfaces (A.N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry RAS) as a Leading Research Fellow. Yury has led several projects funded by Russian Foundation of Basic Researches, Russian Science Foundation, and President of the Russian Federation. His basic research focuses on statistical mechanics of molecular fluids, electrolyte solutions and ionic liquids, and soft matter.

Nikolai N. Kalikin graduated from Ivanovo State University with a Master’s degree in Physics in 2018. He then pursued his graduate studies at the Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Ivanovo, Russia). Under the supervision of Dr. Yury Budkov, he conducted research on statistical thermodynamics of supercritical fluids. In 2023, he was awarded his PhD and is currently continuing his research as a postdoctoral fellow at the same institute.