Theory of multiple phase separations in binary mixtures: Phase diagrams, thermodynamic properties, and comparisons with experiments

Abstract

The lattice-gas models of phase separating binary liquid mixtures, introduced by Walker and Vause, are studied in detail and generalized within a high-temperature series expansion. This approximation allows for a straightforward study of rather complex, orientationally specific pair interactions, like those found in real systems. These theories can predict much of the complex miscibility phenomena often found in these mixtures, which are characterized by hydrogen-bonding interactions. Such phenomena include up to five critical solution points as a function of temperature. By comparisons with experiments, we determine the model parameters, thus mapping these experiments onto the global phase diagrams. These experiments include studies of the dependence of liquid/liquid miscibility on temperature, pressure, concentration of electrolytes, and addition of a dilute third component. Specifically, we make direct comparison with various experiments on the binary systems 2-butanol+H2O, 3-methyl pyridine+H2O(D2O), gylcerol +o- methoxy phenol and ethanol+H2O+electrolytes. Very simple and often easily interpreted trends in the parameters are found and quantitative agreement with experiments is possible with minimum parametric freedom. Explicit predictions of critical exponent renormalization in several systems are made. In addition, suggestions are made for a number of light scattering and specific heat experiments, some of which may demonstrate incipient critical behavior, such as the onset of long range correlations, in systems not undergoing phase separation.