Self-consistent Field Theory of Ionic Fluids. Canonical Ensemble Formulation

In previous chapter, we discussed theoretical approaches based on self-consistent field theory for describing the thermodynamic properties of fluids composed of electrically neutral particles interacting via short-range potentials. In this chapter we formulate the statistical field theory of ionic fluids within the canonical ensemble. Much of the following discussion will build upon the theory formulated in Chap. 2 for simple fluids.