Experimental Demonstration and Study of Transmembrane-Electrostatically Localized Protons Prevail
James Weifu Lee*
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University,
Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
ORCID: 0000-0003-2525-5870
*Corresponding Author email: [email protected]
Keywords: transmembrane-electrostatically localized protons/cations, protonic capacitor, induced TELPs, cation/TELPs exchange, transmembrane potential, bioenergetics
Submitted: August 5, 2024
Revised: November 27, 2024
Accepted: December 18, 2024
Published: March 11, 2025
Abstract
In this review in relation to some interesting arguments from Silverstein, it is now reaffirmed that the experimental demonstration of transmembrane-electrostatically localized protons (TELPs) was successfully accomplished through 1) using an aluminum film as a TELPs sensor in a biomimetic anode water-membrane-water cathode system, 2) analyzing the water-electrolysis current curve, and 3) measuring bulk liquid phase pH. Formation of induced TELPs was subsequently discovered in an anode water-membrane-water-membrane-water cathode system. The discovery of induced TELPs enabled clean experimental tests on the cation-TELPs exchange process by using sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate solution in the central liquid chamber. The sodium/TELPs exchange equilibrium constant ΚπΝα+ was determined to be (5.07 ± 0.97) x 10-8. The potassium/TELPs exchange equilibrium constant ΚπΚ+ was determined to be (6.93 ± 1.23) x 10-8. The analysis in this review affirmed that the experimental TELPs demonstration and the experimentally determined cation-TELPs exchange equilibrium constant values are valid. Silverstein’s arguments appear to have stemmed largely from his own misunderstanding, such as his misconception on the aluminum film protonic sensing limit.