Bipolar membranes under forward and reverse bias conditions. Theory vs. experiment

Abstract Bipolar membranes are layered structures composed of one cation-and one anion-exchange membrane joined together in series. The current—voltage curves of two recently developed bipolar membranes have been analysed theoretically and experimentally under both forward and reverse bias conditions. The experimental trends observed are high conductivity under forward bias conditions and high impedance first, and then electric field enhanced (EFE) water dissociation for high enough applied voltages, under reverse bias conditions. The forward bias measurements can contribute to a better knowledge of some of the transport parameters entering also in the reverse biased membrane. Comparison of…