Symmetrization of excess Gibbs free energy: A simple model for binary liquid mixtures

Abstract A symmetric expression for the excess Gibbs free energy of liquid binary mixtures is obtained using an appropriate definition for the effective contact fraction. We have identified a mechanism of local segregation as the main cause of the contact fraction variation with the concentration. Starting from this mechanism we develop a simple model for describing binary liquid mixtures. In this model two parameters appear: one adjustable, and the other parameter depending on the first one. Following this procedure we reproduce the experimental data of (liquid + vapor) equilibrium with a degree of accuracy comparable to well-known more elaborated models. The way in which we take into account the effective contacts between molecules allows identifying the compound which may be considered to induce one of the following processes: segregation, anti-segregation and dispersion of the components in the liquid mixture. Finally, the simplicity of the model allows one to obtain only one resulting interaction energy parameter, which makes easier the physical interpretation of the results.