Discrete modelling of ion diffusion in clays with overlapped electrical double layers
摘要
The electrical double layer (EDL) critically influences ion transport prediction in clay, yet current models fail to accurately simulate diffusion in highly compacted clay across broad ionic strengths, especially low concentrations (e.g., 0.01 mol/L). This work proposes a robust model integrating a pore network approach with pore-specific ion transport. Pores are categorized into three types based on Debye length and EDL overlap degree. Van der Waals forces are incorporated for pores with severe EDL overlap. The numerical results predicted under a larger span of anion and cation concentration agree well with the experimental data.