The Chemla effect - from the separation of isotopes to the modeling of binary ionic liquids

The Chemla effect was discovered in 1958 on the try to enrich isotopes in a molten mixture system (Li, K)Br. Since then internal or external mobilitie s have been measured in various binary cation systems with a common anion, and the Chemla effect has been found to be rather common in binary monovale nt cation systems. Interpretation of the Chemla effect has become a crucial key to a better understanding of the mechanism of electric conductance in molten salts. The Chemla effect can also be exploited for isotope separatio n of monovalent metal ions, and should be taken into account in the choice of the composition of electrolytes in molten carbonate fuel cells. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.