The simulation of semi-permeable membranes - Osmosis, reverse osmosis and electro-osmosis in electrolyte solutions

We report computer simulations of semi-permeable membranes used to study el ectrolyte solutions undergoing osmosis, reverse osmosis, and electro-osmosi s. The semipermeable membrane, which is atomistic in nature, has been model ed using a novel technique developed by us recently. Our results show a rat her significant role played by solvation forces, which cause the formation of large molecular clusters in both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions. In a ddition, we have found external electric fields make large molecular cluste rs less energetically favorable, and this results in a large measurable eff ect in the rate of osmosis or reverse osmosis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.