Abstract:

The Hittorf method is a traditional method for determining ion transference numbers in physical chemistry experiments. During practice, it was found that the traditional experimental device and operation method frequently caused inaccurate ion transference numbers to be obtained owing to human error and/or the convection and diffusion of the solution. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the device and operation method of this experiment. Herein, we propose adjusting the number of glass pistons in the three-chamber ion-transfer tube and improving the experimental steps, including liquid loading, solution collection, and titration operation. This proposed work would reduce the difficulty of experimental execution, increase the number of titration analyses, and improve the accuracy of the overall experiment. Simultaneously, the formation of liquid waste could be reduced by approximately 70%, resulting in significant cost reduction and environmental protection. This study could also stimulate students' innovative consciousness of experimental research and encourage them to develop an environmental protection perception.

Key words: Hittorf method, Ion transference number, Experimental method