Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol.8, No.4, 356-360, 2000
Notes on Stefan-Maxwell equation versus Graham's diffusion law
Certain prerequisite information on the component fluxes is necessary for solution of the Stefan-Maxwell equation in multicomponent diffusion systems and the Graham's law of diffusion and effusion is often resorted for this purpose. This article addresses solution of the Stefan-Maxwell equation in binary gas systems and explores the necessary conditions for definite solution of concentration profiles and pertinent component fluxes. It is found that there are multiple solutions for component fluxes in contradiction to what specified by the Graham's law of diffusion. The theorem of minimum entropy production in the non-equilibrium thermodynamics is believed instructive in determining the stable steady state solution out of infinite multiple solutions possible under the specified conditions. It is suggested that only when the boundary condition of component concentration is symmetrical in an isothermal binary system, the counter-diffusion becomes equimolar. The Graham's law of diffusion seems not generally valid for the case of isothermal ordinary diffusion.
Keywords:ordinary diffusion;Stefan-Maxwell equation;Graham's law of diffusion;theorem of minimum entropy production;nonequilibrium thermodynamics