Propagating fronts in 2D Cr(OH)3 precipitate systems in gelled media

Diffusion fronts propagate as two co-precipitate ions inter-diffuse in a gel medium. Liesegang bands of precipitate form periodically behind the diffusion front of an outer electrolyte. The precipitation of Cr(OH)3 from NaOH diffusing into a Cr3+ gel matrix is known to yield a single band that propagates in a one-dimensional (1D) tube — Cr(OH)3 dissolves in excess OH− forming Cr(OH)4−. We perform similar experiments on the Cr(OH)3 system in two dimensions (2D), wherein we obtain a perfectly circular Cr(OH)3 ring that grows larger and thicker as time advances. Using a specially designed Petri dish, ring propagation is monitored both in the absence and the presence of a constant electric field. The field is applied along a radial direction, and the front velocities with the field on are compared with the field-free case. When the field is applied against the direction of front propagation (“negative” field), wave saturation is obtained, characterized by a slight increase in the velocity of propagation with field strength, until it reaches a constant value as the field strength is further increased. In a positive field situation, the wave velocity increases with field strength and exhibits some other interesting features: (1) wave stopping indicated by a freeze in the ring position at a certain characteristic time; (2) annihilation of the ring formation above a critical value of the field strength. Electrical effects in 2D are also studied when electrodes with different potentials are planted at various locations in the electrolyte periphery. Interesting patterning structures including the distortion of the circular symmetry and the birth of multiple rings are reported.