LIQUID-LIQUID PHASE-SEPARATION AND CRITICAL EXPONENTS IN IONIC FLUID MIXTURES

The critical exponents of model ionic fluid mixtures exhibiting liquid-liquid phase separation are calculated analytically through the mean-spherical approximation. Classical exponents and are found in agreement with the available experimental data for ionic fluids. The phase diagram of molten tetra-n-butylammonium picrate1-chloroheptane is also well reproduced through the same theoretical approach, showing excellent agreement of the calculated exponent with the experimental value. Possible applications to other multicomponent fluids are briefly discussed. © 1990 The American Physical Society.