SALT TRANSPORT IN STRUCTURALLY INHOMOGENEOUS ION-EXCHANGE MEMBRANES

The problem of mass and charge transport in ion-exchange membranes was solved while allowing for their inhomogeneity. The method used does n ot require the interpretation of models for membrane material structur e. The power-law dependence of membrane conductivity and diffusion flu xes on solution concentration was used in finding the concentration de pendence of the electrodiffusion coefficients. The concentration depen dence of the kinetic parameters was discussed for the best-known membr anes MK-40 and MA-40. The counterion and coion fluxes were examined as functions of current and membrane thickness. The shape of the concent ration profiles in the membranes was analyzed as afunction of directio n and value of the current flowing through the membrane.