Electrification by Contact Charge Exchange: A Literature Survey of Microscopic Models

There is a wide assortment of complicated electrical charge-exchange phenomena that can occur when two materials are simply brought into contact and then separated. The relevant literature is extensive and complicated. Thus the literature on microscopic models of contact electrification is surveyed, and the essential features are systematically condensed so that comparisons can be readily made between the various theoretical models. Particular attention has been focused on controversies and some areas in need of investigation.