Dependence of the dielectric constant of electrolyte solutions on ionic concentration: A microfield approach

Nir Gavish and Keith Promislow
Phys. Rev. E 94, 012611 – Published 13 July 2016

Abstract

We present a microfield approach for studying the dependence of the orientational polarization of the water in aqueous electrolyte solutions upon the salt concentration and temperature. The model takes into account the orientation of the solvent dipoles due to the electric field created by ions, and the effect of thermal fluctuations. The model predicts a dielectric functional dependence of the form ɛ(c)=ɛwβL(3αc/β),β=ɛwɛms, where L is the Langevin function, c is the salt concentration, ɛw is the dielectric of pure water, ɛms is the dielectric of the electrolyte solution at the molten salt limit, and α is the total excess polarization of the ions. The functional form gives a remarkably accurate description of the dielectric constant for a variety of salts and a wide range of concentrations.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 11 April 2016

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.94.012611

©2016 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

  1. Research Areas
  1. Physical Systems
Polymers & Soft Matter

Authors & Affiliations

Nir Gavish

  • Mathematics Department, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel

Keith Promislow

  • Department of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48864, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 94, Iss. 1 — July 2016

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review E

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×