Gravitation-biased ion migration in aqueous solutions.

The gravity-biased drift of hydrated ions is assumed negligible and therefore disregarded in analysis and design. In this study, we reassess the impact of gravity on hydrated ion migration in aqueous solutions by subjecting six chloride salt solutions to controlled centrifugal acceleration across varying flight durations. The resulting data show that ion migration depends on both g-level and duration, providing clear evidence of gravitational bias. Based on the measured mobilities, gravity-induced effects should not be overlooked in systems extending over several meters or operating on century-long timescales. Recognizing gravity-driven migration has the potential to shift design paradigms, from industrial processes to the geological storage of nuclear waste.