Active transport and selective transport of alkali metal ions through polyelectrolyte complex membranes consisting of the three materials [2-(diethylamino)ethyl]dextran hydrochloride, sodium carboxymethyldextran, and sulfate of poly(vinyl alcohol)

Active and selective transport of alkali metal ions through the polyelectrolyte complex membranes consisting of [2-(diethylamino)ethyl]dextran hydrochloride, sodium carboxymethyldextran, and sulfate of poly(vinyl alcohol) have been investigated for the first time. The transport behavior was much affected by the hydrogen ion concentration. The driving force for the active transport of alkali metal ions was considered to be the hydrogen ion concentration. It was suggested that both the appropriate changes of chemical and physical properties of polyelectrolyte complex membrane and the affinity of the carrier fixed to the membrane for alkali metal ions controlled the active transport and selectivity through the membranes.