Abstract: The present invention provides a field generating membrane electrode for contact with an electrolyte solution comprising a wetable membrane which is ion permeable under electric field conditions and an electrically conductive material for connection with a source of electrical charges, characterized in that one side of the membrane is in direct contact with the electrolyte solution and the other side of the membrane is in direct contact with the electrically conductive material and a gas receiving volume. The electrode according to the present invention is especially useful for electrokinetic transport, electrokinetic pumping, electrophoretic transport, isotachophoretic transport, separation of ions or electrochemical reaction of ions.