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.     

Modification of properties of ion exchange membranes V. Structure of cationic polyelectrolyte on the surface of cation exchange membranes

Summary Electrodialytic transport properties of cation exchange membrane are changed by adhesion of polyethylene imine on the membrane surface. The effect of conformation of polyethylene imine molecules on the transport properties of the membrane, thickness of adherent layer and mechanism of adhesion were discussed. Observed were relative transport numbers of calcium ions to sodium ions,P _Na ^Ca , current efficiency, electric resistance of the membrane during electrodialysis and pH-shift of anolyte after electrodialysis. P _Na ^Ca decreased remarkably, when the conformation of polyethylene imine was compact by adding salt to the solution, adjusting pH of the solution to a high value where polyethylene imine was scarcely protonated and adding water-soluble neutral polymers and multivalent anions. It was confirmed that the conformation of polyethylene imine on the membrane surface controlled the degree of the change of the transport properties of the membrane. The adherent amount of polyethylene imine on the cation exchange membrane was calculated assuming that a monolayer of polyethylene imine molecules with hydrodynamic radii was formed. This differed markedly from the amount observed. The reason for the difference was discussed. There was no observation of salting out by sodium chloride and calcium chloride. It was concluded that the polyethylene imine molecules on the cation exchange membrane are mainly bound by ion-exchange.

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Zusammenfassung Die elektrodialytischen Transporteigenschaften von Kationenaustauschmembranen werden mit Polyäthylenimin (PEI) als kationischer Polyelektrolyt verändert. Sie werden durch die Konformation des PEI in der Lösung beeinflußt.Als Transporteigenschaften werden die relativen Transportzahlen der Ca-Ionen im Vergleich zu Na-Ionen, der elektrische Widerstand der Membran während der Elektrodialyse and die pH-Änderung nach der Elektrodialyse im Anodenraum untersucht.

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With 13 figures and 3 tables     

Synthesis,Biological Evaluation,and Molecular Modeling of Aza-Crown Ethers

Synthetic and natural ionophores have been developed to catalyze ion transport and have been shown to exhibit a variety of biological effects. We synthesized 24 aza- and diaza-crown ethers containing adamantyl, adamantylalkyl, aminomethylbenzoyl, and ε-aminocaproyl substituents and analyzed their biological effects in vitro. Ten of the compounds (8, 10–17, and 21) increased intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) in human neutrophils, with the most potent being compound 15 (N,N’-bis[2-(1-adamantyl)acetyl]-4,10-diaza-15-crown-5), suggesting that these compounds could alter normal neutrophil [Ca²⁺]_i flux. Indeed, a number of these compounds (i.e., 8, 10–17, and 21) inhibited [Ca²⁺]_i flux in human neutrophils activated by N-formyl peptide (fMLF). Some of these compounds also inhibited chemotactic peptide-induced [Ca²⁺]_i flux in HL60 cells transfected with N-formyl peptide receptor 1 or 2 (FPR1 or FPR2). In addition, several of the active compounds inhibited neutrophil reactive oxygen species production induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and neutrophil chemotaxis toward fMLF, as both of these processes are highly dependent on regulated [Ca²⁺]_i flux. Quantum chemical calculations were performed on five structure-related diaza-crown ethers and their complexes with Ca²⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ to obtain a set of molecular electronic properties and to correlate these properties with biological activity. According to density-functional theory (DFT) modeling, Ca²⁺ ions were more effectively bound by these compounds versus Na⁺ and K⁺. The DFT-optimized structures of the ligand-Ca²⁺ complexes and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis showed that the carbonyl oxygen atoms of the N,N’-diacylated diaza-crown ethers participated in cation binding and could play an important role in Ca²⁺ transfer. Thus, our modeling experiments provide a molecular basis to explain at least part of the ionophore mechanism of biological action of aza-crown ethers.     

Preparation and properties of anion exchange membranes having pyridinium or pyridinium derivatives as anion exchange groups

Anion exchange membranes with pyridinum groups and various pyridinium derivative groups were prepared from a copolymer membrane composed of chloromethylstyrene and divinylbenzene, and pyridine and pyridine derivatives. The anion exchange membranes obtained showed excellent electrochemical properties in electrodialysis. The transport numbers of sulfate ions, bromide ions, nitrate ions, and fluoride ions relative to chloride ions were evaluated in connection with the species of a substituent and the position of the substituent in the pyridinium groups. In general, when a hydrophilic substituent (methanol groups) existed at the 2-position of the pyridinium groups, nitrate ions and bromide ions, which are less hydrated, permeated through the membranes with difficulty, and sulfate ions permeated selectively through the membranes. On the other hand, when hydrophobic groups, for example, ethyl groups, existed at the 2-position of the pyridinium groups, bromide ions and nitrate ionspermeated selectively through the membranes and fluoride ions had difficulty permeating through the membranes. The carbon number of the alkyl chain of 4-alkyl pyridinium groups also affected permeation of nitrate ions and bromide ions due to the change in hydrophilicity of the membranes. Though the hydration of the anions and the species of the substituent at the 2-position of the pyridinium groups were related to selective permeation of the anion through the membranes, permeation of sulfate ions was not as sensitive to the hydrophilicity of the membranes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 49–58, 1998     

Napthaquinone derived ionophores: interaction with biologically important metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+)

The synthetic model systems based on the study of supramolecular compounds are proficient in mimicking the biological processes so as to get the insight of their processes. In this perspective, a series of naphthaquinone derived redox switchable ionophores namely D₁ (2,3,5,6,8,9,11,12-octahydronaphtho [2,3b] [1,4,7,10,13] pentaoxacyclo octadecine-14,19-dione) and D₂ (2,3,5,6,8,9-hexahydronaphtho[2,3-b] [1,4,7,10] tetraoxacyclododecine-11,16-dione) have been synthesized and interacted with Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ cations. The isolated solid state soft materials obtained after interaction were characterized by melting point, TLC, ¹H NMR spectroscopy and CHN estimation. The extraction, transport potential and stability constant determination of these ionophores towards cations helped in investigating their binding strength in solution. The selective extraction of Na⁺ and Li⁺ by D₁ and D₂ correspondingly proves them an efficient compound for the manufacturing of chemosensor. Whereas efficient transport of Mg²⁺ by both the ionophores especially by D₁ may assist in developing biomodels for understanding its transport through membrane in living system. The selectivity of these ionophores towards metal ions can be modulated by molecular tailoring.     

Irreversible thermodynamics of transport across charged membranes : Part II-ion-water interactions in permeation of alkali

The detailed analysis of membrane phenomena in the system Nafion 120 membrane/NaOH_aq at 298, 313 and 3n33 K has been performed, taking for discussion the phenomenological transport coefficients r_ii, f_ik and diffusion indices D̄_i^r. Comparing the numerical values found here with the corresponding data determined for the system with NaCl solutions it is shown that cation-anion frictional force, which is usually assumed zero, cannot be neglected for the Na⁺-OH⁻ pair of ions. These interactions influence diffusional and osmotic transport of a solute and water across the membrane. Another specific effect of OH⁻ ions important for membrane permeation is the very low friction of OH⁻ ions with water.     

864 — Electrochemistry of asymmetric membranes

The ion transport behaviour of neutral carriers (ionophores) in asymmetric membrane environments has been investigated. Composite solvent-polymeric membranes consisting of two segments of different polarity exhibit two different selectivities, depending on the orientation of the membrane and on the direction of ion transport, respectively. From zero-current membrane potentials and electrodialytic ion transport numbers, the permeability selectivity Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ is found when the ions enter the polar membrane side, and the selectivity Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ for the non-polar entry. The asymmetry effects expected for ionophores in bilayer membranes are also discussed.     

Water transference through nickel hydroxide precipitate membrane

The transference of water that results from ion migration through the nickel hydroxide precipitate membrane was studied in chloride, perchlorate, nitrate, and sulphate solutions to estimate the transference number of water and the co-ion transport. In the systems of univalent anions, the moles of water transported per mole of electrons in 0.1 N solutions is almost identical to the hydration number of each anion. This water flow decreases gradually as the concentration of external solution increases, because of increase in the co-ion (cation) transport with increasing concentration of the solution. In the system of sulphate solutions the co-ion transport is remarkable, the transport number of Na⁺ ions being 0.03 in 0.01 N, 0.27 in 0.10 N, and 0.50 in 0.5 N Na₂SO₄ solution. This large co-ion transport in Na₂SO₄ solution is attributed to the partical replacement of hydroxyl groups on the membrane by SO^2?₄ ions, which then acts as a negative fixed charge. The order of the selectivity for co-ion transport is K⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺ > Ni²⁺ ? Mg²⁺ in sulphate solutions and also in chloride solutions, although the transport number of the cations is much smaller in chloride solution than in sulphate solution.     

Transport of Na+, K+ ions in a bubbling pseudo-emulsion liquid membrane system with p-tert-butylcalixarenes as carriers

The liquid membrane transport of Na⁺ ions by p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene and that of K⁺ ions by p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene were investigated by means of a bubbling pseudo-emulsion liquid membrane system. This system represents a proton-coupled transport with a flow of protons in the opposite direction. The driving force for the transport is the pH gradient between the source and receiving phases. When the pH difference between the two phases is sufficient, the carriers calix[6]arene(or calix[8]arene) can successfully transport Na⁺ (or K⁺) ions from the source phase with a lower Na⁺ (or K⁺) concentration into the receiving phase with a higher Na⁺ (or K⁺) concentration, like a Na⁺ (or K⁺) ion pump.     

Structure and basic magnetic properties of the honeycomb lattice compounds Na2Co2TeO6 and Na3Co2SbO6

The synthesis, structure, and basic magnetic properties of Na₂Co₂TeO₆ and Na₃Co₂SbO₆ are reported. The crystal structures were determined by neutron powder diffraction. Na₂Co₂TeO₆ has a two-layer hexagonal structure (space group P6₃22) while Na₃Co₂SbO₆ has a single-layer monoclinic structure (space group C2/m). The Co, Te, and Sb ions are in octahedral coordination, and the edge sharing octahedra form planes interleaved by sodium ions. Both compounds have full ordering of the Co²⁺ and Te⁶⁺/Sb⁵⁺ ions in the ab plane such that the Co²⁺ ions form a honeycomb array. The stacking of the honeycomb arrays differ in the two compounds. Both Na₂Co₂TeO₆ and Na₃Co₂SbO₆ display magnetic ordering at low temperatures, with what appears to be a spin-flop transition found in Na₃Co₂SbO₆.     

Limiting current density and water dissociation in bipolar membranes

The behaviour of bipolar membranes in NaCl and Na₂SO₄ solutions is discussed. The membranes are characterized in terms of their limiting current densities. Below the limiting current density the electric current is carried by salt ions migrating from the transition region between the anion and the cation exchange layer of the bipolar membrane. In steady state these ions are replaced by salt ions transported from the bulk solutions into the transition region by diffusion and migration due to the fact that the ion-exchange layers are not strictly permselective. When the limiting current density is exceeded, the salt transport from the transition region can no longer be compensated by the transport into the region and a drastic increase in the membrane resistance and enhanced water dissociation is observed. This water dissociation is described as being a combination of the second Wien effect and the protonation and deprotonation of functional groups in the membrane. The limiting current density is calculated from a mass balance that includes all components involved in the transport. The parameters used in the mathematical treatment are the diffusion coefficients of salt ions and water, the ion mobilities in the membrane, the fixed charge densitiy of the membrane, the pK_b values of the functional groups and the solution bulk concentrations.     

New PCT probes featuring N-phenylmonoaza-18-crown-6 and aryl/pyridyl oxadiazoles: optical spectral studies of solvent effects and selected metal ions

Aryl/pyridyl oxadiazole chromophores 6, 8 and 10, carrying N-phenyl aza-18-crown-6 have been synthesized as new photo-induced charge transfer (PCT) probes. While, the absorption spectra of the hosts experienced a slight negative solvatochromism, however the emission bands were dramatically red shifted (Stokes shifts up to 178 nm) in solvents of increasing polarity. Among the metal ions tested, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Mg²⁺ did not appreciably perturbed the optical properties of the hosts. On the other hand, Ba²⁺ and to a lesser extent Ca²⁺ induced marked blue shifts in both the absorption and emission spectra of the hosts. The magnitude of cation induced spectral blue shifts corresponded with the increasing acceptor strength of the attached aryl/pyridyl groups in the host molecules. The blue shifts and the stability constants were found to follow the order Ba²⁺ > Ca²⁺ ? Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺ > K⁺. Competitive experiments performed with a matrix of ions also revealed superior binding affinity of Ba²⁺ with all the hosts examined. Noteworthily, the deep yellow solution (λ_max, 386 nm) of the host 10 was completely bleached (λ_max, 320 nm), in the company of Ba²⁺ thereby allowing the naked eye detection of this ion.     

Three hydrates of the bisphosphonate risedronate,consisting of one molecular and two ionic structures

Three different hydrates of risedronate were obtained by varying the pH of a solution containing the compound. At the pH values used, the N atom of the pyridine group is protonated and the compounds are zwitterionic. Crystals obtained directly from the synthesis resulted in risedronate monohydrate, or [1‐hydroxy‐1‐phosphono‐2‐(pyridinium‐3‐yl)­ethyl]phosphonate monohydrate, C₇H₁₁NO₇P₂·H₂O, (I), in which just one phosphonate group is negatively charged. Recrystallizations at pH values of 2 and 4 yielded risedronate dihydrate, or sodium [1‐hydroxy‐2‐(pyridinium‐3‐yl)­ethane‐1,2‐diyl]­bis­(phosphonate) dihydrate, Na⁺·C₇H₁₀NO₇P₂⁻·2H₂O, (II). Finally, recrystallizations at pH values of 7 and 8 produced risedronate 2.5‐­hydrate, or sodium [1‐hydroxy‐2‐(pyridinium‐3‐yl)­ethane‐1,2‐diyl]­bis­(phosphonate) 2.5‐hydrate, Na⁺·C₇H₁₀NO₇P₂⁻·­2.5H₂O, (III). At these four pH values, both phosphonate groups in (II) and (III) are negatively charged and coordinated to an Na⁺ ion. Crystals of (II), i.e. those grown at pH values of 2 and 4, have isomorphous polymeric ion aggregate structures with geminal phosphonate and alcohol groups coordinated to the same Na⁺ ion. On the other hand, crystals of (III), i.e. those grown at pH values of 7 and 8, have isomorphism polymeric ion aggregate structures with geminal phosphonate and alcohol groups coordinated to different Na⁺ ions.     

Selective transport of zinc and copper ions by synthetic ionophores using liquid membrane technology

This work highlights the role of synthetic carrier (ionophore) in the separation of heavy metal ions. A new series of ionophores; 4,4′-nitrophenyl-azo-O,O′-phenyl-3,6,9-trioxaundecane-1,10-dioate (R₁), bis[4,4′nitro-phenylazo-naphthyl-(2,2-dioxydiethylether)] (R₂) 1,8-bis-(2-naphthyloxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane (R₃), 1,11-bis-(2-naphthyloxy)-3,6,9-trioxaunde-cane (R₄), 1,5-bis-(2-naphthyloxy)-3-oxa-pentane (R₅) have been synthesized and used as extractant as well as carrier for the transport of various metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺) through liquid membranes. Effect of various parameters such as metal ion concentration, ionophore concentration, liquid–liquid extraction, back extraction, comparison of transport efficiency of BLM and SLM and different membrane support (hen’s egg shell and PTFE) have been studied. In BLM ionophores (R₂–R₅) transport Zn⁺ at greater extent and the observed trend for the transport of Zn²⁺ is R₂?>?R₄?>?R₃?>?R₅ respectively. Further transport efficiency is increased in SLM. In egg shell membrane ionophores (R₂–R₅) transport Zn⁺ due to their non-cyclic structure and pseudo cavity formation while ionophore R₁ transports Cu²⁺ ions at greater extent due to its cyclic structure and cavity size. Among the membrane support used egg shell membrane is found best for the transport of zinc ions because of its hydrophobic nature and exhibits electrostatic interactions between positively charged zinc ions and –COOH group of egg shell membrane. Thus structure of ionophores, hydrophobicity and porosity of the membrane support plays important role in separation of metal ions.     

The cell model of the electrolyte transport mechanisms for cultured human colonocytes. Electromotive forces of the cellular pathways

The purpose of this work was to explain the chloride secretory model of the human colonocytes in terms of the equivalent electromotive forces and the relative apical ionic permeabilities using a conventional micro-electrode technique and different ion-substitution experiments. Both equivalent electromotive forces (for apical and basolateral membranes: E_a=−47.7±5.1 mV and E_b=−65.2±2.9 mV, respectively) depend strongly on the external K⁺ concentration. The most important conclusion is that both cell membrane potentials are largely dominated by a K⁺ permeability. The apical membrane has low Na⁺ and Cl⁻ permeabilities in non-stimulated conditions (P_Na/P_K=0.06±0.01 and P_Cl/P_K=0.23±0.09). An interesting response was found for the basolateral Na⁺ substitutions. Lowering the basolateral Na⁺ concentration at 1 mM we have seen a slow, but large depolarisation of the cell membrane potential of about 30 mV. We think that this is mostly caused by the presence of the basolateral Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger mechanism for the intracellular pH regulation. The Na⁺/K⁺ pump has a significant contribution to the basolateral electromotive force. The basolateral membrane has also a Cl⁻ permeability in non-stimulated conditions, but the basolateral Na⁺ permeability is undetectable.     

Application of relaxation periods during electrodialysis of a casein solution: Impact on anion-exchange membrane fouling

Electrodialysis (ED) is a membrane process used on a large scale. However, one of the common problems is fouling of ion-exchange membranes stacked in the cell. The use of pulsed power, consisting in applying a constant current density during a fixed time of application (T_on) followed by a pause duration (T_off), was demonstrated recently as an effective fouling mitigation method for electrodialysis. Up until now, no work has investigated the potential of electrodialysis using pulsed electric field on protein fouling. The aim of the present work was to study the influence of pulsed electric field (PEF) with a low frequency square shaped periodic signal (T_on = 10 s–T_off = 10 s, T_on = 10 s–T_off = 40 s) in comparison with dc current during electrodialysis of a casein solution at different current densities (10, 20 and 30 mA/cm²) on membrane fouling. It appeared from these results that PEF, under certain conditions of pulse, would avoid fouling on anion-exchange membranes. For 10 s–40 s pulsed electric field conditions, no fouling was observed with any density, while for 10 s–10 s PEF conditions, fouling appeared only at current density over 10 mA/cm². dc current, whatever the current density conditions, led to a fouling on the diluate side of the AEM. Furthermore, when fouling occurred, magnitude layer thickness and dry weight increased with the applied current density. The nature of the fouling was identified as 97% protein. The protein fouling would be due to the dissociation of water molecules and/or heat increase at the anion-exchange membrane interface. The relaxation time of the pulse would limit both phenomena on the membrane.     

Bis(Iminophosphorano)-Substituted Pyridinium Ions and their Corresponding Bispyridinylidene Organic Electron Donors

Optimized synthetic procedures for pyridinium ions featuring iminophosphorano (−N=PR₃; R=Ph, Cy) π-donor substituents in the 2- and 4- positions are described. Crystallographic and theoretical studies reveal that the strongly donating substituents severely polarize the π-electrons of the pyridyl ring at the expense of aromaticity. Moreover, the pyridinium ions are readily deprotonated to generate powerful bispyridinylidene (BPY) organic electron donors. Electrochemical studies show exceptionally low redox potentials for the two-electron BPY/BPY²⁺ couples, ranging from −1.71 V vs the saturated calomel electrode for 3PhPh (with four Ph₃P=N− groups) to −1.85 V for 3CyCy (with four Cy₃P=N− groups). These new compounds represent the most reducing neutral organic electron donors (OEDs) currently known. Some preliminary reductions involving 3CyCy showed enhanced capability owing to its low redox potential, such as the thermally activated reduction of an aryl chloride, but purification challenges were often encountered.     

Sulfur-Containing Foldamer-Based Artificial Lithium Channels

Unlike many other biologically relevant ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻, etc) and protons, whose cellular concentrations are closely regulated by highly selective channel proteins, Li⁺ ion is unusual in that its concentration is well tolerated over many orders of magnitude and that no lithium-specific channel proteins have so far been identified. While one naturally evolved primary pathway for Li⁺ ions to traverse across the cell membrane is through sodium channels by competing with Na⁺ ions, highly sought-after artificial lithium-transporting channels remain a major challenge to develop. Here we show that sulfur-containing organic nanotubes derived from intramolecularly H-bonded helically folded aromatic foldamers of 3.6 Å in hollow cavity diameter could facilitate highly selective and efficient transmembrane transport of Li⁺ ions, with high transport selectivity factors of 15.3 and 19.9 over Na⁺ and K⁺ ions, respectively.     

Diffusion coefficients of ions through ion excange membrane in Donnan dialysis using ions of different valence

Donnan dialysis with an ion exchange membrane was investigated for ions of different valence. The effective diffusion coefficients (D_e) of various kinds of ions in the membrane were obtained by fitting of the equation derived from the Nernst–Planck equation to three or more sets of experimental data for Donnan dialysis. It became apparent that the value of D_e/D_s of monovalent ions (e.g., K⁺ or Na⁺ ions) at z_A=1 and z_B=2 (feed ions are monovalent ones and driving ions are bivalent ones) remained constant at ca. 1/210 and that of bivalent ions (e.g., Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, or Mg²⁺ ions) remained constant at ca. 1/526 where D_s denotes the diffusion coefficient of ions at infinite dilution in water calculated from the Nernst–Einstein equation, and z_A and z_B represent the valences of the feed and driving ions, respectively. D_e/D_s of monovalent ions (e.g., H⁺, K⁺, or Na⁺ ions) at z_A=2 and z_B=1 (feed ions are bivalent ones and driving ions are monovalent ones) was constant at ca. 1/23.3 and that of bivalent ions remained constant at ca. 1/58.4. It was proved that D_e/D using D_e at z_A=1 and z_B=2 was constant at 1/3.0 and that at z_A=2 and z_B=1 remained constant at 3.0 where D represents the diffusion coefficient of ions in the membrane at z_A=z_B (the valences of both feed and driving ions are equal). Therefore, it was found that a large flux of ions could be obtained using the monovalent driving ions in Donnan dialysis. On the other hand, the small flux can be obtained using bi- or higher-valent driving ions.     

Selective substitution of alkali cations in mixed alkali glass by solid-state electrochemistry

Electrosubstitution of alkali cations in mixed-alkali glass containing both Na₂O and K₂O for other monovalent metal cations (M⁺=Li⁺, Ag⁺, and Cs⁺) was investigated using a solid-state electrochemical method. The fundamental electrolysis system consists of anode/M⁺-conducting microelectrode/glass/Na-β″-Al₂O₃/cathode, where M⁺ is substituted for the alkali metal ions in the glass under an applied electric field. Li⁺ ions attacked only Na⁺ sites, and Ag⁺ ions replaced Na⁺ sites more readily than K⁺. In contrast, Cs⁺ ions simultaneously substituted for both Na⁺ and K⁺ sites. The substitution behavior appears to depend on the difference in ionic conductivity between K⁺ and Na⁺ and the radius of the dopant. This mechanism was discussed qualitatively.