Thermotransport and the Associated Isotope Effect in Solids

If the same mechanisms governs self‐diffusion, electrotransport, and thermotransport, then the kinetic energy distribution factor of diffusion. Δ K , can be measured directly by isotope transport techniques (electro‐ or thermotransport), in solid metals as well as ionic salts. Under these conditions the results of the isotope thermal diffusion experiments can be interpreted in terms of activation energy parameters. However, in the only two solids in which isotope thermotransport has been measured so far, cubic Li 2 SO 4 and Li metal, these simple conditions probably do not apply.