Controlling ionic currents with transistor-like structure

Control scheme of ionic currents in a new three-terminal electrochemical cell is proposed. This is achieved by introducing a permeable, multi-layered structure which has electronic doping, such as, p-n-p or n-p-n between the typically two biasing electrodes. Ionic currents were controlled by applying a base voltage between the middle layer and an outer (working) electrode at a given potential between the two outer electrodes (fixed biasing potential). We demonstrated this approach for corrosion and plating processes, however, we envision that such construction may be useful for other membrane applications. copyright The Electrochemical Society.