Estimation of diffusion coefficient of Ba++ ions in silica gel from periodic precipitation of BaMoO4

Formation of Liesegang rings on the growth of BaMoO₄ crystals in silica gel by single diffusion is discussed. The rhythmic precipitation is found to be influenced profoundly by (a) the molarity of inner and outerelectrolytes (b) the age of gel and (c) the pH of the gel medium. The time law, spacing law and the law relating diffusion depth and width are verified. A method to estimate the diffusion coefficient of the outer electrolyte in the gel medium is developed and calculated for Ba⁺⁺ions.