Jožef Stefan and the dissolution-diffusion phenomena – Not only a historical note

In a series of papers published from 1871 to 1889, Jožef (Josef) Stefan dealt with several diffusion processes, including also multicomponent systems. In his last paper on diffusion, which appeared in 1889, he studied the dissolution-diffusion process with a moving interface, and gave an analytical solution to this problem. However, Stefan's dissolution-diffusion analysis is not mentioned in literature, and its existence seems to be unknown in scientific community. The present paper summarizes the main Stefan ideas on dissolution of solids governed by diffusion of solute in the adjacent solvent phase thus making his results accessible to wider scientific circles.

Effect of moving solid–liquid interface on dissolution kinetics: dissolution phenomena governed by diffusion in liquid phase as explored by Josef Stefan.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (292 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► An extended original solution of the Stefan dissolution-diffusion problem is presented.
► The dissolution-diffusion boundary conditions at moving interface are stated.
► The continuity requirements for interfacial fluxes are illustrated.
► The Stefan solution, not known from literature, is made available.