Transport of hydrochloric acid through anion-exchange membrane NEOSEPTA-AFN: Application of Nernst–Planck equation

The paper deals with the determination of mobility of H₃O⁺ and Cl⁻ ions on the basis of experiments with hydrochloric acid carried out in a batch mixed cell with an anion-exchange membrane NEOSEPTA-AFN, which have been completed by measurements of the membrane conductivity. The dependencies of mobility of H₃O⁺ and Cl⁻ ions upon the acid concentration in the membrane have been approximated by the second degree polynomial, whose coefficients have been determined with the help of a model based on the Nernst–Planck equation — the membrane being modeled as a homogeneous gel phase containing fixed positive charges, water molecules and mobile H₃O⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. Using all the experimental data obtained at various acid concentrations and rotational speeds of the stirrers, it has been found that mobility of H₃O⁺ and Cl⁻ ions is strongly affected by the acid concentration in the membrane.     

Chiral macrocycles,part II: Transport of amino acid Li+ salts

Complexation of amino acids in both their zwitterionic and Li⁺ salt forms by macrocycles, and carrier-mediated transport of the Li⁺ salts through a CH₂Cl₂ membrane have been investigated: the transport study of four amino acids by a new series of tetrapyrazolic macrocycles with functionalized sidearms shows wide variations of the transport rates depending on both the macrocyclic sidearm and the amino acid structure.     

Studies with inorganic precipitate membranes. III. Consideration of energetics of electrolyte permeation through membranes

The permeability of various electrolytes through parchment-supported ferrocyanide membranes of manganese, cobalt, silver, and cadmium has been measured at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C. The order of permeability at a given temperature was Cl^- > NO₃^- > CNS^- > CH₃COO^- > SO₄^2- for both monovalent and divalent cations. For any given anion, the cations followed the sequence NH₄⁺ > Li⁺ > Ba²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Al³⁺. This sequence has been correlated with the size of the hydrated ion. Further, the data have been considered from the standpoint of the theory of rate processes and the values for the entropy of activation (ΔS′) have been derived assuming an equilibrium distance of 3 Å in the membrane. The values of ΔS′ were all negative and decreased with increasing valence of the ions. This was interpreted to mean electrolyte permeation with partial immobilization in the membrane.     

Methane conversion to C2 hydrocarbons in solid electrolyte membrane reactors

Solid electrolyte membrane reactors (SEMRs) have been used to both study and influence catalytic reaction rates. Methane coupling is the reaction most thoroughly and intensively studied in these membrane reactors. In the last 20 years, oxygen ion (O^2?), proton (H⁺) and mixed (O^2?-e^?, H⁺-e^?) conducting membranes have been tested in order to maximize the conversion of methane to C₂ compounds. The present review contains the fundamental operating principles of the various SEMR types and their applications in this reaction. The difficulties that should be overcome in order to promote this SEMR process to an industrial scale are discussed.     

A direct interaction between the H+-F1F0-ATPase and the K+ transport within the membrane of anaerobically grown bacteria

An N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) sensitive 2H⁺-K⁺ exchange with fixed stoichiometry is found in anaerobically grown bacteria and requires the F₁F₀-ATPase and the Trk or similar system. These are assumed to interact with each other directly within the membrane and to form a supercomplex, functioning as an H⁺-K⁺ pump. The findings of reversal of 2H⁺-K⁺ exchange to drive coupled synthesis of ATP as well as of DCCD-sensitive ATPase activity stimulated by K⁺ have confirmed such a “supercomplex model” for the H⁺-K⁺ pump. The phenomenon is absent in bacterial grown anaerobically in the presence of nitrate or aerobically. Under these conditions these transport systems are assumed to operate separately and the Trk or similar system works as an ionophore. Conditions have been studied under which the F₁F₀-ATPase and the Trk or similar system work cooperatively as a supercomplex with local transduction of energy, or separately via energetic mediation by Δμ_H, the transmembranedifference in transport systems within the membrane without mediation by Δμ_H during low effective energetic processes (glycolysis) may be carried out by dithiol-disulphide interchange. A source of reducing equivalents and/or Δμ_H is required. Direct interaction between transport systems with formation of supercomplexes for regulation of cell metabolism could be a general feature among membrane proteins in bacteria.     

Synthesis and characterization of monoazathiacrown ethers as ionophores for polymeric membrane silver-selective electrodes

Nine monoazathiacrown ethers have been synthesized and explored as ionophores for polymeric membrane Ag⁺-selective electrodes. Potentiometric responses reveal that the ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) based on 2,2′-thiodiethanethiol derivatives can exhibit excellent selectivities toward Ag⁺. The plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membrane electrode using 22-membered N₂S₅-ligand as ionophore has been characterized and its logarithmic selectivity coefficients for Ag⁺ over most of the interfering cations have been determined as <−8.0. Under optimal conditions, a lower detection limit of 2.2 × 10⁻¹⁰ M can be obtained for the membrane Ag⁺-ISE.     

Conductance behaviour of a microporous membrane and the application of absolute reaction rate theory

The membrane conductance of a microporous membrane prepared by the hydrogen peroxide (5%) treatment of ion-exchange membranes of the ‘Neosepta’ family has been studied at different temperatures. The membranes were bathed in some common uni-univalent chloride solutions at different concentrations. In general, the membrane conductance, in the temperature range studied, shows values increasing more or less linearly with increases in concentration, but tends towards limiting values at higher concentrations. The magnitudes follow the order K⁺ > NH₄⁺ ≥ Na⁺ > Li⁺, which is the reverse order of the hydrated sizes of these ions. The temperature variations of the conductance have been utilised to calculate the activation parameters, E_a, ΔH3, ΔG3 and ΔS3, assuming the applicability of the theory of absolute reaction rate. The activation energies for conduction increase in the order K⁺ < NH₄⁺ ≤ Na⁺ < Li⁺, which is the reverse of the order of conductances but the same as the sequence of the hydrated sizes of the cations. For a particular electrolyte solution, the energy values decrease with increasing concentrations of the bathing electrolyte. The ΔS3 values are found to be mostly very small positive quantities, indicating that virtually neither any bond formation nor any loss of membrane structure takes place during the permeation process.     

Methane conversion to C2 hydrocarbons in solid electrolyte membrane reactors

Solid electrolyte membrane reactors (SEMRs) have been used to both study and influence catalytic reaction rates. Methane coupling is the reaction most thoroughly and intensively studied in these membrane reactors. In the last 20 years, oxygen ion (O²⁻), proton (H⁺) and mixed (O²⁻-e⁻, H⁺-e⁻) conducting membranes have been tested in order to maximize the conversion of methane to C₂ compounds. The present review contains the fundamental operating principles of the various SEMR types and their applications in this reaction. The difficulties that should be overcome in order to promote this SEMR process to an industrial scale are discussed.     

Modification of properties of ion-exchange membranes. IV. Change of transport properties of cation-exchange membranes by various polyelectrolytes

A change in electrodialytic transport properties of various cation exchange membranes was observed after the membranes had been adsorbed or ion-exchanged with various cationic polyelectrolytes. Transport properties measured in this report were the relative transport number of calcium ion to sodium ion P^Ca_Na, the current efficiency of cations, and the electric resistance of the membrane during the electrodialysis. Weakly basic and strongly basic cationic polyelectrolytes of various molecular weights were used. Though P^Ca_Na of any cation exchange membrane decreased by the adsorption or ion exchange of any cationic polyelectrolyte, the degree of the decrease in P^Ca_Na changed with species and molecular weight of polyelectrolytes and species of cation-exchange membranes. Weakly basic polyelectrolytes and low molecular weight, strongly basic polyelectrolytes were effective in producing a marked decrease in P^Na_Ca of any cation exchange membrane. The effect of strongly basic polyelectrolytes of high molecular weight on P^Ca_Na was weak in most cases. However, if it was possible to make the polyelectrolyte adhere to the surface of the membrane to form a compact coiled structure, any cationic polyelectrolyte was effective in producing a remarkable decrease in P^Ca_Na of any cation-exchange membrane.     

Influence of Aprotic Solvent on Selectivity of an Amperometric Sensor with Nafion Membrane

This paper presents the results of investigation on selectivity of the sulfur dioxide amperometric sensor with Nafion membrane in the presence of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide as the interferents. There have been compared selectivity coefficients, for the sensors containing the following internal electrolytes: solution of sulfuric acid (concentration 5 mol dm^?3) in pure water (A) and solution of sulfuric acid (concentration 5 mol dm^?3) in mixed solvent dimethylsulfoxide‐water with an DMSO: H₂O mole ratio of 1 : 2 (B). Values of the selectivity coefficients have been calculated based on the calibration curves. Analysis of both calibration curves and selectivity coefficients plays a significant role in optimization of a working point of a particular sensor. The investigated sensor operates in a three‐electrode system, where the working and counter electrodes are vacuum sublimation deposited on the membrane surface.     

Proton-ionizable crown compounds. 12. Proton-Coupled selective membrane transport of Li+ using a proton-ionizable pyridono macrocycle

The macrocycle-mediated fluxes of several alkali metal cations have been determined in a H₂O-CH₂Cl₂-H₂O liquid membrane system. Water-insoluble proton-ionizable macrocycles of the pyridono type were used. The proton-ionizable feature allows the coupling of cation transport to reverse H⁺ transport. This feature offers promise for the effective separation and/or concentration of alkali metal ions with the metal transport being driven by a pH gradient. A counter anion in the source phase is not co-transported. The desired separation of a particular metal ion involves its selective complexation with the macrocycle, subsequent extraction from the aqueous phase to the organic phase, and exchange for H⁺ at the organic phase-receiving phase interface. Factors affecting transport which were studied include ring size, source phase pH, and receiving phase pH. Lithium was transported at a rate higher than that of the other alkali metals in both single and competitive systems using a 15-crown-5 pyridono carrier.     

Technetium-99m extraction and transport across tri-n-octylamine-xylene based supported liquid membranes

The nuclear properties of^99mTc radionuclide are ideal for organ imaging. Study of the technetium transport across supported liquid membranes has been performed to get data for its separation from other elements. Tri-n-octylamine diluted in xylene was used to constitute the liquid membranes, supported in polypropylene microporous films. Stripping on the product solution side was performed with dilute NaOH solutions. The effect of sulphuric acid, nitric acid and hydrochloric acid in the feed on transport of^99mTc as TcO ₄ ^– ions has been studied. The permeability of the given ions determined from kinetic activity data has been found to be in the order of PH₂SO₄>PHCl>PHNO₃. The flux values have been calculated based on this permeability data. The increase in carrier concentration has shown an increase in flux and permeability values to a given optimum concentration. The increase in temperature has been found to reduce the transport of Tc ions. The optimum conditions for transport of^99mTc for the given acid concentration have been determined. Mechanism of Tc ion transport has also been provided based on chemical reactions involved at the membrane interfaces and uptake of Tc ions by the membrane. MoO ₄ ^2– ions do not permeate through membrane under optimum conditions of transport for TcO ₄ ^2– ions from H₂SO₄ solution.     

Experimental evaluation of single ion activities

When an ion-exchange membrane separates two electrolyte solutions having two different co-ions and a common counterion a bi-ionic potential (bi-co-ionic potential) appears across the membrane. If the membrane is ideally permselective for counterions and the activities of counterions on both sides of the membrane are equal to each other, the membrane potential Δψ becomes zero. We selected KCl as a reference electrolyte because of a symmetrical electrolyte in aqueous solutions. Then, the mean activity of ions in KCl may be assumed to be equal to each single ion activity at low molalities. Single ion activity in a test electrolyte containing K⁺ ion or Cl⁻ ion was estimated from the molality of KCl at Δψ=0 by interpolating bi-co-ionic potential to zero for KCl/membrane/LiCl, NaCl, C₆H₅COOK, or p-CH₂CHC₆H₄SO₃K systems. The values of single ion activity coefficients estimated in this work were fairly different not only from the mean activity coefficients of ions but also from the single ion activity coefficients estimated by Debye–Hückel formula.     

Hydration of the H<Superscript>+</Superscript>, Li<Superscript>+</Superscript>, Na<Superscript>+</Superscript>, and Cs<Superscript>+</Superscript> ions in MF-4SK perfluorinated sulfonic acid cation-exchange membranes modified with inorganic dopants

The hydration, state, and mobility of protons and Li⁺, Na⁺, and Cs⁺ ions in MF-4SK perfluorinated sulfonic acid cation-exchange membranes doped with silicon dioxide and phosphotungstic acid have been investigated by NMR and impedance spectroscopy. The dopants increase the moisture content of the membrane and change the system of pores and channels in which ion transport takes place. At low humidities, the dopant particles are involved in ion transport. The greatest effect is observed for the membranes doped with both SiO₂ and phosphotungstic acid. The water molecules sorbed by dopant particles as a material participate in the hydration of alkali metal cations in the membrane.     

A Uniformly Oriented MFI Membrane for Improved CO2 Separation

Membrane separation of CO₂ from natural gas, biogas, synthesis gas, and flu gas is a simple and energy‐efficient alternative to other separation techniques. But results for CO₂‐selective permeance have always been achieved by randomly oriented and thick zeolite membranes. Thin, oriented membranes have great potential to realize high‐flux and high‐selectivity separation of mixtures at low energy cost. We now report a facile method for preparing silica MFI membranes in fluoride media on a graded alumina support. In the resulting membrane straight channels are uniformly vertically aligned and the membrane has a thickness of 0.5 μm. The membrane showed a separation selectivity of 109 for CO₂/H₂ mixtures and a CO₂ permeance of 51×10^?7 mol m^?2 s^?1 Pa^?1 at ?35 °C, making it promising for practical CO₂ separation from mixtures.     

Theoretical study of the electrokinetic and electrochemical behaviors of two-layer composite membranes

A theoretical study concerning the effect of structure (porosity, pore radius and layer thickness) and surface characteristics (zeta potential) of two-layer composite membranes on global streaming potential (SP_g), membrane potential (Em_g) and membrane conductivity (λ_g) is presented. To this end, each layer of the composite membrane (composed of a support layer and a filtering layer) was modeled as a bundle of identical capillary tubes with connections between pores of the two layers (the pores in the filtering layer being smaller than those of the support layer). The global parameters SP_g, Em_g and λ_g were calculated by using the theory of thermodynamics of irreversible processes and a space charge model. SP_g, Em_g and λ_g were expressed as a function of the individual parameters of each layer SP⁽ⁱ⁾, Em⁽ⁱ⁾ and λ⁽ⁱ⁾, respectively, the length fraction of the support layer, the porosity and pore radius ratios. It was shown that the electrokinetic (streaming potential and membrane conductivity) and electrochemical (membrane potential) behaviors of such composite membranes vary between that of single layers. For streaming potential, the results indicate that the contribution of the filtering layer to the global streaming potential is very little influenced by zeta potentials of both types of pores. It appears that the individual streaming potential of the filtering layer greatly dominates the global streaming potential. This is due to the fact that the streaming potential of the filtering layer is weighted by the pore radius ratio which is a predominant parameter in determining the global streaming potential. In contrast to the streaming potential, the contribution of the filtering layer to the global membrane potential (Em_g) or membrane conductivity (λ_g) depends more or less on the zeta potentials of both kinds of pores and the corresponding electrokinetic radii as well. As to the membrane potential, the contribution of the filtering layer to Em_g is all the more sensitive to the zeta potentials than the electrokinetic radii are small. The filtering layer greatly dominates the global membrane potential when its pores are narrow (with regard to the Debye length) and strongly charged. For the electrolyte conductivity inside pores, the smaller pores (inside the filtering layer) have an effect all the more dominant on the apparent membrane conductivity than their zeta potential is low and that of larger pores (inside the support layer) is high.     

Light-induced generation of hydrogen at CdS-monograin membranes

A new kind of membrane consisting of small particles of single-crystalline CdS embedded in a polymer film is described. In various photoelectrolysis experiments the properties of the membrane which separates a cell in two compartments were investigated. Relatively large quantities of H₂ were produced in the presence of an electron donor such as S^2? ions or EDTA and small quantities by direct photoelectrolysis of H₂O. This technique gives information on the role of catalysts deposited on one or both faces of the membrane.     

Activity coefficients of CaCl2 and MgCl2 in the presence of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine-phosphatidylinositol vesicles in aqueous media

Mean activity coefficients of CaCl₂ and MgCl₂ salts have been measured in the presence of phospholipid vesicles, by use of the EMF method with ion-exchange membrane electrodes, as a novel procedure for studying the direct interactions between electrolytes and phospholipid vesicles. Mixed lipid sonicated vesicles have been prepared from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)-phosphatidylinositol (PI) mixtures, covering a range of composition. The CaCl₂ and MgCl₂ concentration range studied was 0.01−0.001 mol l⁻¹. For both salts studied, the activity coefficients decrease linearly as the vesicle concentration in the suspension increases while the concentration of salt was kept constant. Maintaining a constant vesicle concentration, the decrease in the activity coefficients is more pronounced the more dilute the concentration of the salts. Quantitative differences were observed in the behaviour of both salts which are explained on the basis of a higher affinity of the Ca²⁺, compared with that of Mg²⁺ ions, to the vesicle surface. Using a simple model for the vesicle-salt systems, the number of cations specifically bound to the vesicles has been calculated. In view of the results it can be concluded that estimation of the activity coefficients of the salts is a useful method for the study of the interactions taking place in vesicle-salt systems.     

Combined Intrinsic and Extrinsic Proton Conduction in Robust Covalent Organic Frameworks for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications

Developing new materials for the fabrication of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells is of great significance. Herein, a series of highly crystalline, porous, and stable new covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been developed by a stepwise synthesis strategy. The synthesized COFs exhibit high hydrophilicity and excellent stability in strong acid or base (e.g., 12 m NaOH or HCl) and boiling water. These features make them ideal platforms for proton conduction applications. Upon loading with H₃PO₄, the COFs (H₃PO₄@COFs) realize an ultrahigh proton conductivity of 1.13×10^?1 S cm^?1, the highest among all COF materials, and maintain high proton conductivity across a wide relative humidity (40–100 %) and temperature range (20–80 °C). Furthermore, membrane electrode assemblies were fabricated using H₃PO₄@COFs as the solid electrolyte membrane for proton exchange resulting in a maximum power density of 81 mW cm^?2 and a maximum current density of 456 mA cm^?2, which exceeds all previously reported COF materials.