Pseudolattice Theory of electrolyte solutions: Consistency analysis of the Quasi-Random Lattice model at infinite dilution

• The modern Pseudolattice Theory for electrolyte solutions is discussed.
• Theoretical drawbacks are due to independence of models from the Debye-Hückel frame.
• The QRL approach is considered and convergence to the DHLL is shown.
• The discussion throws a new light on the pseudolattice treatment of ionic solutions.
• QRL formalism allows for advancing toward a unified pseudolattice approach.

In recent years, the study of the electrolyte solutions has significantly drawn advantage from the Pseudolattice Theory, developed through various approaches and successfully applied to systems of technological and scientific interest such as ionic liquids and rare-earth fluids. However, promising potentialities from the applicative point of view are counterbalanced by a limited investigation about general consistency of pseudolattice models with fundamentals of Solution Theory. This article focuses on the Quasi-Random Lattice approach and discusses, in particular, the theoretical consistency at infinite dilution, since convergence to the Debye-Hückel Limiting Law is a notoriously difficult task for lattice models not developed within the Debye-Hückel-Poisson-Boltzmann frame. The discussion throws a new light on the pseudolattice treatment of electrolyte solutions, and definitely states in what sense an ionic lattice is included in the QRL model at strong, and even infinite, dilution. Present developments generalize previous QRL formalism and allow for advancing toward a unified pseudolattice approach.

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