THEORY OF ELECTROPHORETIC SEPARATIONS .1. FORMULATION OF A MATHEMATICAL-MODEL

A general model is developed for the electrophoresis of soluble materials. The model describes the evolution of concentration fields for a set of compounds which undergo transport by flow, diffusion, and migration in an electric field and simultaneously participate in rapid dissociation-association reactions. Modes of electrophoresis requiring special treatment can now be studied in a unified context. As an example of its utility, the model is used analytically to study a process known as isotachophoresis. Two electrophoretic separation processes are simulated numerically, demonstrating the model's versatility.