The derivations and limitations of the Debye-Hückel equations
Abstract
"The Debye-Hückel equations, a cornerstone of electrolyte thermodynamics for almost 100 years, derived from classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, are to be explored by different derivations and seek their limitations.
Necessary for the development of complete models of electrolyte Equations of State and electrolyte Excess Gibbs Energy models, these equations need to be fully understood.
Their limitations regarding experimental data and those related to representing physical events compared to other models are not yet clear.
Being derived under the linearization of the famous Poisson-Boltzmann equation, we use the calculation of activity coefficients to understand better where these equations lead us.
Under different assumptions during derivations, such as considering common-size or size-dissimilar approaches, we reach different variations of the Debye-Hückel equations.
The seminar intends to tackle many important questions around these so essential equations. What do they represent?
What are the final implications to thermodynamic properties of their inherent considerations? How to solve the full Poisson-Boltzmann equation?
How do they compare to each other and the Poisson-Boltzmann equation? What are negative deviations? Could these equations help us to classify electrolytes?"