Mechanism for an electrodiffusional instability in concentration polarization

Abstract

A mechanism is suggested for an electrodiffusional instability which may arise in the course of concentration polarization at a cation-exchange membrane employed in electrodialysis. Estimates for the onset of instability are obtained. Presentation is based on earlier results concerning the steady fields of ion concentration and electric potential developing in the course of concentration polarization in the diffusion layer adjacent to an ideal cation-exchange membrane.