A model for assisted ion transfer across liquid vertical bar liquid interfaces

Ion transfer through a liquid\liquid interface can be enhanced considerably by complexation with a suitable ionophore. Here we consider the case in wh ich this complexation occurs at the interface. From a simple lattice-gas mo del we calculate the potential of mean force and the density profiles for t he particles involved in the reaction. A change in the potential difference between the two phases affects the concentration of the ions at the interf ace, but does not change the driving force for the complexation. The rate o f ion transfer depends roughly exponentially an the potential. (C) 1999 Els evier Science S.A. All rights reserved.