Electric field-dependent metastable phenomena in polyelectrolyte solutions*

We have recorded the response of various polyelectrolyte systems to applied voltages. Here, we explore the effects of chain length, architecture, and concentration on the charge transport properties of our solutions in order to determine the origin of nonlinear behavior demonstrated by these materials. Our findings suggest the existence of several mechanisms by which ions can flow through charged polymers, each of which can be observed within distinct voltage regimes and solution conditions. With these findings, we can understand similar characteristics seen in other charged networks.