In a system at termodinámica equilibrium, the electrochemical potential, [latex]\bar{\mu}_i[/latex], for any given charged species `i` must be uniform throughout all phases. If a gradient exists ([latex]\nabla \bar{\mu}_i \neq 0[/latex]), ions will spontaneously move from regions of higher potential to lower potential, creating a current or flux, until this gradient is eliminated and equilibrium is re-established.
