On the dependence of the thermal membrane potential across cation-exchange membranes on the mean temperature

Abstract

The thermal membrane potential across a cation-exchange membrane has been determined under different experimental situations. In all cases, a clear linear dependence between the thermal membrane potential, Delta Psi, and the temperature difference between both external electrolyte solutions, Delta T, has been observed. ?he value of Delta Psi depends on the mean temperature, (T) over bar, of the membrane system, showing a maximum value at a certain value of (T) over bar. Though the value of Delta Psi for each (T) over bar is notably affected by the unstirred solution layers adjoining the membrane surfaces, the above-mentioned maximum has not been found to be a direct consequence of this effect.