Dielectric relaxation of electrolyte solutions: Is there really a kinetic dielectric decrement?

Abstract
The dielectric behavior of model electrolyte solutions is studied by molecular dynamics simulations. For the systems considered, it is found that the zero‐frequency dielectric constant depends only on equilibrium properties and that there is no measurable ‘‘kinetic dielectric decrement.’’ A theoretical explanation of the simulation results is presented. It is argued that no kinetic dielectric decrement exists for spherical ions in solvents of arbitrary molecular symmetry.