MULTIPLE STEADY-STATES IN IONIC MEMBRANES WITH NEGATIVE CONDUCTANCE

Infinitesimal or negative polarization resistance can be induced by a negative ionic conductance in membranes. When the reactant or product have the ''wrong'' charge, they are respectively repelled or attracted , under the influence of the coulombic force, resulting in a negative conductance in the membrane, which in turn contributes to a negative c omponent in the polarization resistance. The effects of diffusivity, c oncentration, supporting electrolyte, and fixed space charge on the co nductance in the ionic membranes are also studied. An inverse concentr ation gradient may form as a result of the interaction between the ion ic migration and the stoichiometric flux according to the reaction kin etics.