Electroosmosis through a Cation-Exchange Membrane: Effect of an ac Perturbation on the Electroosmotic Flow

Electroosmosis experiments through a cation-exchange membrane have been performed using NaCl solutions in different experimental situations. The influence of an alternating (ac) sinusoidal perturbation, of known angular frequency and small amplitude, superimposed to the usual applied continuous (dc) signal on the electroosmotic flow has been studied. The experimental results show that the presence of the ac perturbation affects the electroosmotic flow value, depending on the frequency of the ac signal and on the solution stirring conditions. In the frequency range studied, two regions have been observed where the electroosmotic flow reaches a maximum value: one at low frequencies (Hz); and another at frequencies of the order of kHz. These regions could be related to membrane relaxation phenomena.