Theory of electrophoretic separations. Part I: Formulation of a mathematical model

A general model is developed for the electrophoresis of soluble materials. The model describes the evolution of concentration fields for a set of compounds which undergo transport by flow, diffusion, and migration in an electric field and simultaneously participate in rapid dissociation‐association reactions. Modes of electrophoresis requiring special treatment can now be studied in a unified context. As an example of its utility, the model is used analytically to study a process known as isotachophoresis. In Part II two electrophoretic separation processes are simulated numerically, demonstrating the model's versatility.