System peaks in capillary zone electrophoresis .1. Simple model of vacancy electrophoresis

The paper introduces the concept of vacancy electrophoresis where instead of normal electrophoretic zones, system peaks (concentration vacancies) migrate and are separated. The electrolyte set-up to achieve this requires a reversal of background electrolyte and sample with the capillary filled by the sample and the background electrolyte injected instead. A simple theory of electromigrational zone dispersion is used to describe the origin and properties of a system peak corresponding to a concentration vacancy. Model experiments confirm the theoretical considerations. The potential practical use of vacancy electrophoresis is discussed.