Measurement of Diffusion Coefficients in Binary Mixtures and Solutions by the Taylor Dispersion Method

The theory and application of the Taylor Dispersion technique for measuring diffusion coefficients in binary systems is reviewed. The theory discussed in this paper includes both the ideal Taylor-Aris model and the estimation of corrections required to account for small deviations from this ideal associated with a practical apparatus. Based on the theoretical treatment, recommendations are given for the design of practical instruments together with suggestions for calibration, data acquisition and reduction, and the rigorous estimation of uncertainties. The analysis indicates that relative uncertainties on the order of 1% are achievable in practice.