Dielectric dispersion in [N(C2H5)4]2ZnCl4 single crystal

Temperature dependence of the complex dielectric permittivity of [N(C₂H₅)₄]₂ZnCl₄ crystal was measured in the frequency range 300 Hz / MHz. Jump-wise changes in the real and imaginary components of ε* were observed for the three crystallographic directions at the phase transition temperature. The dielectric dispersion clearly apparent in the high-temperature phase, rapidly disappears at the phase transition. The anomalous changes in the dielectric permittivity are related to vibrations of the tetraethylammonium ion. The activation energy of these vibrations amounts to 40 kJ/mol.