Refraction coefficient of water and aqueous solutions in the optical frequency range in the vicinity of Nafion

Within the present experimental working it has been shown that in the vicinity of Nafion (ionexchange membrane) the water refraction coefficient grows approximately by a factor of 1.1 in comparison with its value in bulk liquid. The refractive coefficient changes at a distance of about 50 microns. The effect of changing the refraction coefficient is determined by pH value and the temperature of the liquid. In the experimental study of the «glycerin/water» mixture at different concentrations it has been found that the refractive coefficient may increase because Nafion surface attracts the dipole of water clusters. This effect occurs due to the swelling of Nafion in water and its surface takes a charge.