On the diffusive nature of solvated electron transport in polar liquids

Abstract

We quantitatively examine the validity of the relationship μ = Cη -1 between the mobility (μ) of excess electrons in pure polar solvents and the viscosity (η) of the solvent. In the majority of cases, the solvent electron mobilities do follow the η -1 behavior, indicating a diffusive mechanism of electron transport in these liquids. Application of Eyring's theory of absolute reaction rates to diffusion and viscosity enables us to estimate the radii of solvated electrons in polar liquids.