Donnan

Membrane
Equilibrium &
its Significance
o Daksh Palrecha
o Dhruv Jain
o Atharva Patil
DONNAN MEMBRANE
EQUILIBRIUM

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The Gibbs–Donnan theory describes the
equilibrium conditions for ion solutions
separated by a semipermeable
membrane when one of the solutions
contains species that cannot pass
through the membrane, which distorts
the distribution of permeating ions on
the two sides of the membrane. The
restriction of ion permeability may be
due to its size, as for macromolecules,,
or due to the membrane charge, as in
ion exchange membranes
 Principles of Donnan Equilibrium
1.Semipermeable Membrane: The system consists of a semipermeable membrane that allows
the passage of some ions and molecules while blocking others based on size, charge, or other
properties.
2.Impermeable Solutes: One or both of the solutions separated by the membrane contain
impermeable solutes. These solutes cannot cross the membrane due to their size or charge.
3.Ion Distribution: Because of the presence of impermeable solutes, there is an uneven
distribution of ions across the membrane. This occurs because ions are attracted to
impermeable solutes of opposite charge due to electrostatic forces.
4.Equilibrium: A state of equilibrium is reached where the distribution of ions is such that the
electrostatic attraction between the ions and the impermeable solutes is balanced by the
tendency of ions to diffuse across the membrane. This equilibrium leads to a net electrical
potential across the membrane.
5.Electroneutrality: Despite the uneven distribution of ions, the system remains electroneutral
overall, meaning the total positive charge equals the total negative charge.
E.g of Donnan Membrane
Equilibrium

It is the state of balance that is

reached after the Donnan
membrane effect has occurred,
where the unequal distribution
of ions is balanced by the
diffusion of ions across the
membrane, resulting in equal
osmotic pressure but unequal
concentration of non-diffusible
ions.
 Donnan-Membrane Equilibrium formed

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The term is the fraction of
the total NaCl that diffuses
across the membrane (i.e.
from LHS to RHS).

To have the concentration of

NaCl same on both the sides
of membrane, the condition
to be maintained is = .

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IFICANCE OF DONNAN MEMBRANE EQUILIBR
In Biological System:
• Donnan Equilibrium is vital in
maintaining cell integrity and function.
• It regulates ion concentration inside and
outside the cell, essential for cellular
processes.
• Plays a crucial role in nerve impulse
transmission, muscle contraction, and pH
balance.
 Significance in
Chemistry:
Colloidal Stability: In colloidal systems, Donnan equilibrium
plays a crucial role in determining the stability of colloidal particles
or macromolecules. The unequal distribution of ions across the
membrane creates an osmotic pressure difference, known as
Donnan osmotic pressure, which can counteract other destabilizing
forces such as Van der Waals forces or electrostatic repulsion,
thereby stabilizing colloidal dispersions.
Industrial Applications: In addition to biological systems, the
principles of Donnan equilibrium find applications in various
industrial processes, including wastewater treatment,
desalination, and the production of pharmaceuticals and food
products.
 Thank you

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