The Electrostatic Screening Length in Concentrated Electrolytes Increases with Concentration
University of Oxford · Harvard University
Abstract
According to classical electrolyte theories interactions in dilute (low ion density) electrolytes decay exponentially with distance, with the Debye screening length the characteristic length scale. This decay length decreases monotonically with increasing ion concentration due to effective screening of charges over short distances. Thus, within the Debye model no long-range forces are expected in concentrated electrolytes. Here we reveal, using experimental detection of the interaction between two planar charged surfaces across a wide range of electrolytes, that beyond the dilute (Debye-Hückel) regime the screening length increases with increasing concentration. The screening lengths for all electrolytes…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 66.75
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 45
Authors
3Topics & keywords
- Debye length
- Electrolyte
- Debye–Hückel equation
- Strong electrolyte
- Ion
- Ionic bonding
- Aqueous solution
- Propylene carbonate
- Affordable and clean energy