Characterization of heterogeneous systems by dielectric spectroscopy

This article describes applications of dielectric spectroscopy to heterogeneous systems, such as particle suspensions, membranes in liquids and composite materials. Heterogeneous systems including interfaces show dielectric relaxation due to interfacial polarization. Theories for interfacial polarization in two-, three- and multiphase systems are summarized and technical developments in dielectric spectroscopy are also described. Practical applications to artificial and biological membrane systems and colloidal suspensions including biological cells are presented. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.