Dielectric spectra of liquid water: Ultrabroadband modeling and interpretation

Abstract

Ultrabroadband dielectric spectra of liquid water, 104–1014 Hz are modeled in terms of dynamic conductivity σ(ν) from the standpoint of electrolytes physics. The σ(ν) spectrum is interpreted as a manifestation of the inherent in electrolytes the Debye–Hückel–Falkenhagen effects. The structural model of liquid water is suggested which meets the stepwise spectral response similar to that of electrolytes. In the frameworks of the model, water is composed of the layered, spherical, ion-centered molecular formations—molecular swarms—with matryoshka-like packing. Spectral σ(ν)-steps are due to the vibration-deformation polarization and migration diffusion of each of the nested elastic swarms. For the first time, inherent water features such as the Debye relaxation, high static dielectric constant and dc-conductivity are consistently justified within an unified approach.