Front motion in an $A+B\to C$ type reaction-diffusion process: Effects of an electric field

TL;DR

This study investigates how an external electric field influences the movement and product distribution in an $A+B o C$ reaction-diffusion process, revealing that the electric field causes a linear increase in product concentration along the reaction front.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of electric field effects on reaction zone dynamics and product distribution in an ion-based reaction-diffusion system, extending understanding of pattern formation under electric influence.

Findings

Reaction zone moves diffusively with a slightly decreased diffusion coefficient under electric field.

Concentration of product $C$ increases linearly along the front in the presence of an electric field.

Reversing the electric field polarity can lead to front drift and potential reaction extinction.

Abstract

We study the effects of an external electric field on both the motion of the reaction zone and the spatial distribution of the reaction product, $C$, in an irreversible $A^- +B^+ \to C$ reaction-diffusion process. The electrolytes $A\equiv (A^+,A^-)$ and $B\equiv (B^+,B^-)$ are initially separated in space and the ion-dynamics is described by reaction-diffusion equations obeying local electroneutrality. Without an electric field, the reaction zone moves diffusively leaving behind a constant concentration of $C$-s. In the presence of an electric field which drives the reagents towards the reaction zone, we find that the reaction zone still moves diffusively but with a diffusion coefficient which slightly decreases with increasing field. The important electric field effect is that the concentration of $C$-s is no longer constant but increases linearly in the direction of the motion of the front. The case of an electric field of reversed polarity is also discussed and it is found that the motion of the front has a diffusive, as well as a drift component. The concentration of $C$-s decreases in the direction of the motion of the front, up to the complete extinction of the reaction. Possible applications of the above results to the understanding of the formation of Liesegang patterns in an electric field is briefly outlined.