ABSTRACT
This chapter sets the foundation for later chapters in which we discuss the application of electrically conductive membranes and spacers in desalination and water treatment. The electronic structure of any material can give valuable insight into its electrical properties and electrochemical behavior. It is important to understand the mechanisms and factors contributing to electrical conductivity in several important classes of materials. In this chapter, the electrical conductivity in polymers, polymer composites, carbon-based nanomaterials, and metals is discussed with respect to structure. Electrical conductivity in polymer composites that are often used as electrodes is linked to filler content by way of the percolation threshold. The influence of percolation threshold and defects on electrochemical properties are explained. Commonly used fabrication routes for electrically conductive membrane systems are also described.
