ELECTROCHEMICAL POLARIZATION PHENOMENA AT THE INTERFACE OF 2 IMMISCIBLE ELECTROLYTE-SOLUTIONS

The faradaic and non-faradaic processes taking place at the interface of two immiscible electrolyte solutions have been compared with analogous processes occurring at the interface metal-electrolyte solution. For the former interface conditions have been stated for obtaining suitable current-potential characteristics. As methods of investigation, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and polarography with an electrolyte dropping electrode have been used. For the simple ion transfer across the interface, examples of reversible and irreversible processes have been described. In the presence of ionophores (valinomycin and a crown polyether) the transfer of alkali metal ions is facilitated. This phenomenon has been exploited for determination of stability constants. The interface of two immiscible electrolyte solutions may be used as a model of the surface of a biological membrane. © 1979.