DETERMINATION OF DIFFUSION COEFFICIENTS IN HYDROGELS
The role of diffusion in self-organization has been widely studied due to the great diversity of patterns emerging in reaction-diffusion systems where typically hydrogels are applied to avoid convection. We have developed a combined method where first the effective diffusion coefficient of strong electrolytes is measured electrochemically. Then the individual diffusion coefficient of NMR active ions are obtained from PFGSE-NMR spectroscopy from which the diffusion coefficient of hydrogen ions in hydrogels can be determined. Our method may be extended for various hydrogels and diffusing ions (such as hydroxide) which may have pratical applications like in pH-regulated self-healing mechanisms or in hydrogels used for drug delivery.
The optimization of the method for hydrogels with background electrolytes is in progress.
