Molecular Transport Phenomena

1. Introduction and motivation for the course.

2. Review of course prerequisites: Review of BSc-level transport phenomena and approaches to problem solving (e.g. microbalances for mass, energy, momentum). Continuum scale and link to molecular scale.

3. Kinetic Theory: Basic assumptions of kinetic gas theory. Mean free path. Maxwell velocity distribution. Calculating pressure from microscopic picture. Effect of intermolecular forces (van der Waals).

4. Binary diffusion: Einstein-Smoluchowski theory - Diffusion as a random walk. Langevin theory. Link to macroscopic description of diffusion.

5. Multicomponent diffusion: Limitations of Ficks first law of diffusion. Diffusion driven by a gradient in chemical potential. Generalized Maxwell-Stefan diffusion model. Multicomponent mass transport.

6. Ion transport and electrohydrodynamics: Transport of an isolated ion. Transport of non-isolated ion. Nernst-Planck transport equations. The Debye-Hückel double layer. Electro-osmotic flow. Electrophoresis for non-isolated particles. Examples of applications.

• The assessment includes a mid-term assignment in groups, and a final exam.

• If the grade of the assignment improves your final grade: the grade of the assignment counts for 20% of the final grade and the final exam for 80%. A passing grade in the exam is also required to pass the course.

• If the grade of the assignment does not improve your final grade: the exam counts for 100% of the final grade.

• For the resit exam, the grade of the resit always counts for 100% of the final course grade.