Transport phenomena in chitosan synthetic membranes with emphasis on the effect of variations in the ratio of matrix-solvent

The study was focused on the effect of amount of chitosan as matrix and electrolytes solutions on the characteristics of current density of chitosan membranes. A series of chitosan membranes with various ratios of components was used such as 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%. The electrolytes solutions, NaCl and CaCl2, with various concentrations, 0.1 mM, 1 mM, 10 mM, 100 mM and 1000 mM, were used. Ion transport processes were carried out in a cell membrane model which composed of two compartments named compartment 1 and 2, and the potential difference was measured using a pair of Activon AEP jnct Single 12 x 120 mm calomel electrodes. All the measurements were conducted at room temperature, 28.8 oC. The result showed that the current density increased with some parameters e.g. increased in the ratio of concentration of solution, C1:C2; increased in the amount of chitosan, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%; and increased in the size of Stokes radii of the selected cations, Na+ and Ca+2.