@article { author = {Galama, A.H. and Post, J.W. and Hamelers, H.V.M. and Nikonenko, V.V. and Biesheuvel, P.M.}, title = {On the Origin of the Membrane Potential Arising Across Densely Charged Ion Exchange Membranes: How Well Does the Teorell-Meyer-Sievers Theory Work?}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science and Research}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {128-140}, year = {2016}, publisher = {FIMTEC & MPRL}, issn = {2476-5406}, eissn = {2476-5406}, doi = {10.22079/jmsr.2016.20311}, abstract = {A difference in salt concentration in two solutions separated by a membrane leads to an electrical potential difference across the membrane, also without applied current. A literature study is presented on proposed theories for the origin of this membrane potential (ϕm). The most well-known theoretical description is Teorell-Meyer-Sievers (TMS) theory, which we analyze and extend. Experimental data for ϕm were obtained using a cation exchange membrane (CMX, Neosepta) and NaCl solutions (salt concentration from 1 mM to 5 M). Deviations between theory and experiments are observed, especially at larger salt concentration differences across the membrane. At a certain salt concentration ratio, a maximum in ϕm is found, not predicted by the TMS theory. Before the maximum, TMS theory can be used as a good estimate of ϕm though it overestimates the actual value. To improve the theory, various corrections to TMS theory were considered: A) Using ion activities instead of ionic concentration in the external solutions leads to an improved prediction; B) Inhomogeneous distribution of the membrane fixed charge has no effect on ϕm; C) Consideration of stagnant diffusion layers on each side of the membrane can have a large effect on ϕm; D) Reducing the average value of the fixed membrane charge density can also largely affect ϕm; E) Allowing for water transport in the theory has a small effect; F) Considering differences in ionic mobility between co-ions and counterions in the membrane affects ϕm significantly. Modifications C) and F) may help to explain the observed maximum in ϕm.}, keywords = {Ion exchange membranes,Nernst-Planck equation,Donnan equilibrium,Teorell-Meyer-Sievers (TMS) theory}, url = {https://www.msrjournal.com/article_20311.html}, eprint = {https://www.msrjournal.com/article_20311_5f8dd3a15063b00c7d1fa32af78e0b18.pdf} }