Nonequilibrium thermodynamics entropy reactions

Example 4.8 Chemical reactions and reacting flows The extension of the theory of linear nonequilibrium thermodynamics to nonlinear systems can describe systems far from equilibrium, such as open chemical reactions. Some chemical reactions may include multiple stationary states, periodic and nonperiodic oscillations, chemical waves, and spatial patterns. The determination of entropy of stationary states in a continuously stirred tank reactor may provide insight into the thermodynamics of open nonlinear systems and the optimum operating conditions of multiphase combustion. These conditions may be achieved by minimizing entropy production and the lost available work, which may lead to the maximum net energy output per unit mass of the flow at the reactor exit. 

In the linear nonequilibrium thermodynamics theory, the stability of stationary states is associated with Prigogine s principle of minimum entropy production. Prigogine s principle is restricted to stationary states close to global thermodynamic equilibrium where the entropy production serves as a Lyapunov function. The principle is not applicable to the stability of continuous reaction systems involving stable and unstable steady states far from global equilibrium. 

The stability of transport and rate systems is studied either by nonequilibrium thermodynamics or by conventional rate theory. In the latter, the analysis is based on Poincare s variational equations and Lyapunov functions. We may investigate the stability of a steady state by analyzing the response of a reaction system to small disturbances around the stationary state variables. The disturbed quantities are replaced by linear combinations of their undisturbed stationary values. In nonequilibrium thermodynamics theory, the stability of stationary states is associated with Progogine s principle of minimum entropy production. Stable states are characterized by the lowest value of the entropy production in irreversible processes. The applicability of Prigogine s principle of minimum entropy production is restricted to stationary states close to global thermodynamic equilibrium. It is not applicable to the stability of continuous reaction systems involving stable and unstable steady states far from global equilibrium. The steady-state deviation of entropy production serves as a Lyapunov function. 

As mentioned before, nonequilibrium thermodynamics could be used to study the entropy generated by an irreversible process (Prigogine, 1945, 1947). The concept ofhnear nonequilibrium thermodynamics is that when the system is close to equilibrium, the hnear relationship can be obtained between the flux and the driving force (Demirel and Sandler, 2004 Lu et al, 2011). Based on our previous linear nonequihbrium thermodynamic studies on the dissolution and crystallization kinetics of potassium inorganic compounds (Ji et al, 2010 Liu et al, 2009 Lu et al, 2011), the nonequihbrium thermodynamic model of CO2 absorption and desorption kinetics by ILs could be studied. Figure 17 shows the schematic diagram of CO2 absorption kinetic process by ILs. In our work, the surface reaction mass transport rate and diffusion mass transport rate were described using the Hnear nonequihbrium thermodynamic theory. 

The protein synthetic mechanism is the fundamental project of life and is thus the embodiment of the life process. The continued synthesis and degradation of proteins and enzymes maintains the metabolic network in a state of negative entropy, so that all reactions occur under far-from-equilibrium conditions. This nonequilibrium state, in a sense, constitutes the life process. Enzymes are the functional entities of the life process, and, in accordance with the principle of nonequilibrium thermodynamics (see Chapter 2), semistable enzymes constitute the functional basis of life. A totally stable enzyme (denatured enzyme) is inert, having no catalytic function, and is incapable of interacting with its substrates and products. An unstable enzyme has too transient an existence to carry out a catalytic reaction in a steady-state network. Yet for catalytic action to persist for a sufficient time, there must be a certain degree of stability, and the catalytic function of an enzyme requires flexibility or conformity. It is in this sense that enzymes can be considered as semistable. 

Note that Eq. (6) includes thermodynamic equilibrium (v° = 0) as a special case. However, usually the steady-state condition refers to a stationary nonequilibrium state, with nonzero net flux and positive entropy production. We emphasize the distinction between network stoichiometry and reaction kinetics that is implicit in Eqs. (5) and (6). While kinetic rate functions and the associated parameter values are often not accessible, the stoichiometric matrix is usually (and excluding evolutionary time scales) an invariant property of metabolic reaction networks, that is, its entries are independent of temperature, pH values, and other physiological conditions. 

The fundamental question in transport theory is Can one describe processes in nonequilibrium systems with the help of (local) thermodynamic functions of state (thermodynamic variables) This question can only be checked experimentally. On an atomic level, statistical mechanics is the appropriate theory. Since the entropy, 5, is the characteristic function for the formulation of equilibria (in a closed system), the deviation, SS, from the equilibrium value, S0, is the function which we need to use for the description of non-equilibria. Since we are interested in processes (i.e., changes in a system over time), the entropy production rate a = SS is the relevant function in irreversible thermodynamics. Irreversible processes involve linear reactions (rates 55) as well as nonlinear ones. We will be mainly concerned with processes that occur near equilibrium and so we can linearize the kinetic equations. The early development of this theory was mainly due to the Norwegian Lars Onsager. Let us regard the entropy S(a,/3,. ..) as a function of the (extensive) state variables a,/ ,. .. .which are either constant (fi,.. .) or can be controlled and measured (a). In terms of the entropy production rate, we have (9a/0f=a)... 

Nonisothermal reaction-diffusion systems represent open, nonequilibrium systems with thermodynamic forces of temperature gradient, chemical potential gradient, and affinity. The dissipation function or the rate of entropy production can be used to identify the conjugate forces and flows to establish linear phenomenological equations. For a multicomponent fluid system under mechanical equilibrium with n species and A r number of chemical reactions, the dissipation function 1 is... 

The equality of this equation represents a system at equilibrium where JT = A = 0. The work done by the controlling system dissipates as heat. This is in line with the first law of thermodynamics. The inequality in Eq. (11.4) represents the second law of thermodynamics. The cyclic chemical reaction in nonequilibrium steady-state conditions balances the work and heat in compliance with the first law and at the same time transforms useful energy into entropy in the surroundings in compliance with the second law. The dissipated heat related to affinity A under these conditions is different from the enthalpy difference AH° = (d(Aii°/T)/d(l/Tj). The enthalpy difference can be positive if the reaction is exothermic or negative if the reaction is endothermic. On the other hand, the A contains the additional energy dissipation associated with removing a P molecule from a solution with concentration cP and adding an S molecule into a solution with concentration cs. 

Transport effects together with nonequilibrium effects, such as finite-rate chemical reactions and phase changes, have their roots in the molecular behavior of the fluid and are dissipative. Dissipative phenomena are associated with thermodynamic irreversibility and an increase in global entropy. 

In 1902, T. W. Richards found experimentally that the free-energy increment of a reaction approached the enthalpy change asymptotically as the temperature was decreased. From a study of Richards data, Nernst suggested that at absolute zero the entropy increment of reversible reactions among perfect crystalline solids is zero. This heat theorem was restated by Planck in 1912 in the form The entropy of all perfect crystalline solids is zero at absolute zero.f This postulate is the third law of thermodynamics. A perfect crystal is one in true thermodynamic equilibrium. Apparent deviations from the third law are attributed to the fact that measurements have been made on nonequilibrium systems. 

The product of thermodynamic forces and fiows yields the rate of entropy production in an irreversible process. The Gouy-Stodola theorem states that the lost available energy (work) is directly proportional to the entropy production in a nonequilibrium phenomenon. Transport phenomena and chemical reactions are nonequilibrium phenomena and are irreversible processes. Thermodynamics, fiuid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, kinetics, material properties, constraints, and geometry are required to establish the relationships... 

---