Electrical conductivity of cationic polyelectrolytes in aqueous solution

Four different fluoride, chloride, bromide, and nitrate cationic polyelectrolytes were prepared. Their electrolytic conductivity in aqueous dilute solution was investigated. The results show a remarkable increase, with dilution being practically constant down to limiting concentration. The limiting equivalent conductivity Λ° follows the order \[ F^ - Cl^ - > Br^ - ≈ NO₃^ - \] The distances between neighboring charges calculated from experimental data are in good agreement with those calculated geometrically according to Manning's definition. The results are mainly dependent on the assumption that Br − and NO 3 − interact in a similar manner with the cationic charges on the polyion. This phenomenon also has been observed in cationic micelles.