Numerical study on separation of analytes through isotachophoresis

Abstract

In this paper we present a high resolution numerical algorithm to capture the sharp interfaces in isotachophoretic transport of ions. We have considered a two-dimensional model of isotachophoresis (ITP). Both peak and plateau mode of separation is investigated in the present analysis. Our numerical algorithm is based on a finite volume method along with a second-order upwind scheme, QUICK. We have also presented an analytic solution for one-dimensional transport of two electrolytes where diffusion current is neglected. The formation of steady-state in a reference frame co-moving with ITP zones is analysed by providing the transient phase of the ITP separation. Results show that our numerical method can efficiently capture the sharp boundaries between adjacent anlaytes in a steady-state. The present numerical algorithm can handle dispersion of ITP due to pressure-driven convection of electroosmosis of ions. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.