Spatial bistability and waves in a reaction with acid autocatalysis.
The phenomenon of spatial bistability has recently been proposed for a comprehensive understanding of a number of chemical patterns observed in open spatial reactors consisting of thin films of gel diffusively fed from one side. We study experimentally and numerically this phenomenon in the tetrathionate-chlorite reaction characterized by an acid superautocatalysis. We focus on the similarities and differences with previous studies on the chlorine dioxide-iodide reaction. In addition, we show that this reaction, which is only bistable in a continuous stirred tank reactor, can exhibit oscillatory and traveling waves when diffusion comes into play. Our computations suggest that the nonstationary behaviour originates from differential diffusive transport.
Boissonade
J
J
Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, C.N.R.S. Bordeaux, Avenue Schweitzer, F-33600 Pessac, France.
Dulos
E
E
Gauffre
F
F
Kuperman
M N
MN
De Kepper
P
P