noun
- a large molecule or polymer that carries multiple electric charges and dissociates into many ions when dissolved in a solvent.
Usage: chemistry and materials science term; commonly used in academic and industrial contexts
Examples
- DNA is a natural polyelectrolyte that carries negative charges along its backbone.
- Polyelectrolytes are widely used in water treatment to remove suspended particles.
- The researcher studied how polyelectrolytes interact with oppositely charged surfaces.
- Synthetic polyelectrolytes have applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
- The behavior of polyelectrolytes in solution depends on pH and ionic strength.
- Polyelectrolyte complexes form when positive and negative polyelectrolytes are mixed together.