Global reaction: Diffusion coupling and reciprocity in linear asymmetric kinetic networks

Abstract

The kinetics of a simple diffusion-chemical reaction system are formulated using circuit theory and network thermodynamics. It is shown that the Curie principle forbidding the local coupling of a scalar (chemical reaction) to a vector (diffusion) in isotropic systems is consistent, however, with global coupling in asymmetric processes. Equations derived in a proper frame of reference demonstrate the compatibility of the kinetic analysis with the reciprocity of Onsager’s equations. Tellegen’s theorem is used to study the stability of transient solutions and the unicity of dynamical trajectories followed in the approach towards the stationary state.