A Theory of Solvation Effects on Viscosity

Abstract

We formulate a theory for calculating the viscosity of a dilute solution, considering the solute–solvent interaction. We consider an inhomogeneous density distribution of solvent particles caused by the interaction, using the equilibrium solute–solvent radial distribution function. The theory is a microscopic extension of Einstein’s viscosity formula. We formulate the theory by a perturbation expansion, assuming that a solvent particle is much smaller than a solute particle. From the perturbation theory, we obtain hydrodynamic equations with new boundary conditions on the surface of the solute. The theory is applied to a system with a simple radial distribution function.