Motion induced by surface-chemical and electrochemical kinetics

Abstract

It is well known that motion at a liquid–liquid interface may be generated by the transfer of matter. The constraint is the difference in concentration profiles between both bulk phases. In the same way, surface-chemical, sorption or electrochemical reactions may also induce convection. The constraint in this case is related to the non-equilibrium kinetic steps. A general theory based on a linear analysis of stability shows the role of mechanical (density, viscosity, interfacial tension, surface elasticity), chemical (kinetic constants, composition) or electrochemical (electrical field, dielectric constant) parameters in the onset of interfacial deformations and movements. The stresses acting on the system are mainly due to Laplace–Kelvin and Marangoni effects. Experimental evidence observed for solvent-extraction reagents are analysed within the framework of our theory.