Ion-exchange membrane fouling by peptides: A phenomenon governed by electrostatic interactions

▶ Susceptibility of anion- (AEM) and cation- (CEM) exchange membranes to fouling by peptides. ▶ Peptides tend to react with each kind of membrane, and that, with no application of current. ▶ CEM showed the highest increase in peptides content. ▶ Electrostatic interactions are the main links formed during membrane fouling by peptides. ▶ Peptides with high molecular weights are more susceptible to foul on CEM.