Stable self-sustained potential oscillations across a membrane filter impregnated with triolein.
When applying constant electric current, periodic self-sustained potential oscillations with high stability are observed across a membrane filter impregnated with triolein, placed between KCl and NaCl aqueous solutions. Stability, reproducibility and controllability of the oscillation are much improved by the application of constant electric current compared with those obtained without application of electric current. Relations among value of electric current, base potential and period of the oscillations are studied, and it is concluded that the oscillation period can be controlled by base electric potential. Effects of temperature on the oscillations are investigated, and it is shown that Arrhenius plots for both base conductance and conductance amplitude of each oscillation fitted well to an individual straight line and that values of activation energies are similar to those of bulk salt solutions. From all data obtained it is suggested that the oscillations occur as a result of rhythmic repetition of opening and closing of hole(s) in the membrane, which is due to breakdown and restoration of a part of the membrane.
Urabe
K
K
National Institute of Materials and Chemical Research, Tsukuba, Japan.
Sakaguchi
H
H
D002482:Cellulose; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D004563:Electrochemistry; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010209:Paper; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013696:Temperature; D014304:Triolein / Q000737:chemistry*; D014462:Ultrafiltration
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D014304:Triolein; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D002482:Cellulose