We reformulate Rosenfeld’s fundamental-measure theory using the excess Helmholtz energy density from the Boublik–Mansoori–Carnahan–Starling–Leland equation of state instead of that from the scaled-particle theory. The new density functional theory yields improved density distributions, especially the contact densities, of inhomogeneous hard-sphere fluids as well as more accurate direct and pair correlation functions of homogeneous hard spheres including those of highly asymmetric mixtures. This new density functional theory will provide an accurate reference for the further development of a statistical-thermodynamic theory of complex fluids at uniform and at inhomogeneous conditions.

Density-functional theory (DFT) and its variations provide a fruitful approach to the computational modeling of the microscopic structures and phase behavior of soft-condensed matter. The methodology takes deep root in quantum mechanics but shares a mathematical similarity with a number of classical approaches in statistical mechanics. This review discusses different strategies commonly used to formulate the free-energy functional of complex fluids for either phenomena-oriented applications or as a generic description of the thermodynamic nonideality owing to various components of intermolecular forces. We emphasize the connections among different schemes of DFT approximations, their underlying assumptions, and inherent limitations. We also address extensions of equilibrium DFT to phenomenological theories for the dynamic properties of complex fluids and for the kinetics of phase transitions. In addition, we highlight the recent literature concerning applications of DFT to diverse static and time-dependent phenomena in complex fluids.