A gas separation device for separating a reactive gas from a gaseous mixture comprising porous anode and cathode electrodes separated by an ionic membrane,the anode being impregnated with an absorbent compound or solvent;the cathode being impregnated with an electrically conductive liquid;a power supply for supplying electric charge to the electrodes;an inlet for a gaseous mixture, the inlet communicating with a chamber adjacent the cathode;and an outlet for gas from the chamber so that gas passing from the inlet to the outlet contacts the cathode;wherein reactive gas is absorbed from the gaseous mixture by the absorbent compound and retained in the device and wherein the retained gas subsequently desorbed from the absorbent compound;wherein the absorption, desorption or both are promoted by application of electric charge to the electrodes.