Abstract
The objectives of this dissertation is to develop a model which will describe the relationship between electron transfer across membrane/solution interfaces and ion transport across the membrane. This model should be applicable to biological membranes. In order to achieve the above objectives, experiments were performed, initially using porous metallic membranes and then polypyrrole membranes of varying conductivity. The experiments were divided into three parts: (1) Open circuit measurements of membrane potential. (2) Measurements under applied current. (3) Impedance measurements. The results were explained in terms of electrode kinetics for the electron transfer process and by assuming ohmic behavior for the ion transport process. Expressions for the membrane potential as a function of exchange current density, membrane area, reversible potential of the redox species in solution, and ionic resistance of the membrane were obtained. Results obtained with externally applied current were interpreted in the same framework as above. Semi-quantitative interpretation of impedance data was also possible. The model was shown to be applicable to some biological systems both, qualitatively and quantitatively. It is concluded that the model developed here is applicable to synthetic membranes which display electron conductivity and are permeable to ions as well as to bio-membranes. With the proposed model it is possible to calculate the membrane potential, the electronic and ionic currents through the membrane, given relevant parameters such as exchange current densities, reversible potentials of the electroactive species, membrane area and membrane ionic resistance.
Diniz, Flamarion Borges (1987). The role of electron transfer reactions on the electrical properties of membranes. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -746583.