Osmosis in porous media: A review of recent studies

A concise review of recent theoretical and experimental studies of osmotic phenomena in porous materials is provided. Macroscopic models are presented and the determination of the involved transport coefficients is described. The focus is on the bulky media (as opposed to “thin” membranes) that are encountered in the fields like geophysics, environmental sciences, or civil engineering. A brief summary consisting of critical remarks and observations concerning the transport models and experimental methods is given in conclusion. Possible future investigations of the osmotic behavior of bulky porous materials not studied previously are outlined.

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► Osmotic phenomena in bulky porous materials (not “thin” membranes) are analyzed.
► Recent studies in geophysics, environmental sciences, and civil engineering are reviewed.
► Macroscopic models of osmosis are presented.
► Experimental determination of the involved transport coefficients is described.
► Possible future investigations of osmosis in bulky porous materials are outlined.