Dielectric Constant of Ionic Solutions: A Field-Theory Approach

Amir Levy, David Andelman, and Henri Orland
Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 227801 – Published 29 May 2012

Abstract

We study the variation of the dielectric response of a dielectric liquid (e.g. water) when a salt is added to the solution. Employing field-theoretical methods, we expand the Gibbs free energy to first order in a loop expansion and calculate self-consistently the dielectric constant. We predict analytically the dielectric decrement which depends on the ionic strength in a complex way. Furthermore, a qualitative description of the hydration shell is found and is characterized by a single length scale. Our prediction fits rather well a large range of concentrations for different salts using only one fit parameter related to the size of ions and dipoles.

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  • Received 23 January 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.227801

© 2012 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Amir Levy and David Andelman

  • Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel

Henri Orland

  • Institut de Physique Théorique, CE-Saclay, CEA, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France

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Issue

Vol. 108, Iss. 22 — 1 June 2012

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