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Inversion of Solvent Migration in Charged Membranes

Alain Boldini and Maurizio Porfiri
Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 156001 – Published 6 October 2021
Physics logo See synopsis: Reversing Flow in Charged Membranes
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Abstract

We theoretically demonstrate the possibility of inversion of solvent migration in charged membranes, opposing osmosis. Inversion of solvent migration is ascribed to the finite volume of ions in the solution permeating the membrane, a quantity that has been neglected in the literature so far. We propose a model of the electrochemistry in the proximity of an electrode, illustrating the range of the molar volume of ions that can yield the inversion of solvent migration. This study poses the basis for novel applications in microfluidics, nanofluidics, and electrochemistry, along with new inquiries in biology.

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  • Received 24 May 2021
  • Revised 14 July 2021
  • Accepted 24 August 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.156001

© 2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Condensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

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Reversing Flow in Charged Membranes

Published 6 October 2021

The process of osmosis is predicted—under certain conditions—to act in the opposite direction within charged membranes.

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Authors & Affiliations

Alain Boldini

  • Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, USA

Maurizio Porfiri*

  • Center for Urban Science and Progress, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, USA

  • *mporfiri@nyu.edu

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Issue

Vol. 127, Iss. 15 — 8 October 2021

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