ELECTROCHEMICAL COUPLING IN CARRIER-MEDIATED MEMBRANE-TRANSPORT

The possibility of controlling permeant flux through facilitated-transport membranes by passage of electric current is examined theoretically. The major effects observed are due to the role of the electrodes as sources and sinks for the species which participate in the electrode reactions. If those species also participate in the homogeneous chemical reactions, the passage of current can profoundly influence the membrane permeability. Order of magnitude increases in permeant flux are predicted, as is the pumping of permeant against its overall concentration difference. Predicted energy consumption is competitive with that of conventional separation processes.