A Thermodynamic Theory of Dissolution Potential and Further Tests of the Theory

Abstract

A theory of dissolution potential of electrolytes has been developed on the basis of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The theory is found to be in agreement with the available experimental data. In order to provide further tests of the theory, the diffusion and dissolution potentials of KI in dimethylformamide-water mixtures and of KCl in KCl-HCl aqueous solutions have also been measured. The sign of diffusion potential and dissolution potential are found to be the same in the former case, in conformity with the predictions of the theory. The measurements of dissolution potential of KCl in KCl-HCl aqueous solutions further confirm the theory. Although the dissolution potential of KCl in water alone is negative, it is positive in aqueous KCl-HCl mixtures.