On the electrokinetic characterization of charged polymeric membranes by transversal streaming potential

Abstract

The effect of a transmembrane pressure on the electrokinetic properties of different polymeric charged membranes is analysed. Electrokinetic characterization can involve the application of increasing or decreasing pressure differences over a membrane sample. The aim of this work is to study whether the transmembrane pressure application during the measurement process to determine the zeta potential and the intrinsic permeability of polymeric membranes causes a membrane irreversible change. It is a relevant issue in membrane technology, because electrokinetic properties are used to analyse the viability and performance of ion-exchange membranes processes in practical applications. We show that polymeric membranes can be affected by a transmembrane pressure application. This influence does not affect surface charge distribution of the polymeric membranes, but it can strongly affect the membrane structure.