Electronic and ionic conductivity in nonpolar liquids is reviewed. Theoretical results on ionic complexation (formation of ion pairs and triplets, dipole-dipole chains, ion-dipole clusters) in liquid dielectrics in an intense external electric field are considered, and the relation between the complexation process and ionic conductivity is discussed. Experimental results supporting the possibility of complexation are presented and compared with theoretical calculations. Onsager’s theory about the effect of an intense external electric field on ion-pair dissociation is corrected for the finite size of ions.

PACS: 51.50.+v, 66.10.Ed, 82.30.Fi (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2003v046n01ABEH001141 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2003/1/c/ 000183153400003 Citation: Zhakin A I "Ionic conductivity and complexation in liquid dielectrics" Phys. Usp. 46 45–61 (2003) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Жакин А И «Ионная электропроводность и комплексообразование в жидких диэлектриках» УФН 173 51–68 (2003); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0173.200301c.0051