Ionic interactions in transport processes as described by irreversible thermodynamics

Abstract

The application of irreversible thermodynamics to transport in electrolyte solutions is reviewed. The linear “Onsager” coefficients l_ij should provide a general and more fundamental insight into ion–ion and ion-solvent interactions than special case coefficients like the conductance. The implications of non-zero l_ij, i≠j, are discussed. Selected l_ij values for binary and ternary systems are presented, including new results for CuSO₄. Estimation methods for l_ij of ternary and higher order systems are reviewed.