Determining Dielectric Constants for Complex Solvent Mixtures by Microwave Sensing and Model Prediction

J Phys Chem A. 2021 Dec 2;125(47):10245-10254. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpca.1c07404. Epub 2021 Nov 19.

Abstract

The frequency-dependent dielectric constant is a basic fluid property that is currently challenging to determine for complex liquid mixtures. Here, we report the determination of effective dielectric constants for various solvent mixtures under flow conditions using a simple in-line microwave Fabry-Pérot interferometer cable sensor. An ideal solution model-based mixing rule has been established and demonstrated for significantly improved prediction of dielectric constants for single-phase solvent mixtures. However, the current mixing rules exhibit large deviations for immiscible water/oil dispersions apparently because of the effects of strong interfacial polarizations on the overall mixture polarizability that are not accounted for by the models.