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Analytical solution to the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations for the charging of a long electrolyte-filled slit pore

We study the charging dynamics of a long electrolyte-filled slit pore in response to a suddenly applied potential. In particular, we analytically solve the Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) equations for a pore for which $λ_D\ll H\ll L$, with $λ_D$ the Debye length and $H$ and $L$ the pore's width and length. For small applied potentials, we find the time-dependent potential drop between the pore's surface and its center to be in complete agreement with a prediction of the celebrated transmission line model. For moderate to high applied potentials, prior numerical work showed that charging slows down at late times; Our analytical model reproduces and explains such biexponential charge buildup.