Resolving the Difference in Electric Potential within a Charged Macromolecule

The difference of the electric potential between the middle and end of polystyrenesulfonate (PSS–) chain is discovered experimentally. Using a pH-responsive fluorophore attached to these two locations on the PSS– chain, the local pH value was determined by single molecule fluorescence technique: photon counting histogram (PCH). By the observation of a very high accumulation of proton (2–3 orders of magnitude in concentration) at the vicinity of the PSS– as a result of the electrostatic attraction between the charged chain and protons, the electric potential of the PSS– chain is determined. A higher extent of counterion adsorption is discovered at the middle of the PSS– chain than the chain end. The entropy effect of the counterion adsorption is also discoveredupon the dilution of protons, previously adsorbed counterions are detached from the chain.