From Biological to Synthetic Membranes

The main principles of the functioning of transport systems in biological membranes and especially of processes involving the selective transport of ions and molecules in synthetic membranes (ion-exchange, gas separating, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, membranes, etc.) are examined. It is shown that, under the conditions of intense mass and electromass transfer, the transport of ions and molecules in synthetic membranes acquires features characteristic of transport processes in biological membranes both as regards the organisation of the transport (transport via channels) and in terms of the principal kinetic features. The prospects for further research into the physical chemistry of membrane separation processes and processes leading to the formation of new substances, including membrane catalysis, are discussed.
The bibliography includes 115 references.