Solid-Contact Ion-Selective Electrodes Based on Graphite Paste for Potentiometric Nitrate and Ammonium Determinations

Robust and easy-to-handle solid-contact ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs) based on graphite paste have been developed for the potentiometric detection of NO-3 and NH+4 in environmental samples. Polypyrrole (PPy) has been used as intermediate layer and solid contact between the electron-conducting graphite paste substrate and the ion-conducting polyvinylchloride (PVC)-containing membrane with the immobilized ionophore. For the nitrate- and ammonium-selective electrodes, tridodecylmethylammonium nitrate (TDMA-NO3) and nonactin have been used as ion-complexing compounds, respectively. Both ISEs show nearly Nernstian response in the linear range from 10-5 mol/L to 10-1 mol/L with average slopes of >58 mV/decade. The ISEs possess short response times (<20 s).

Novel Screen-Printed All-Solid-State Copper(II)-Selective Electrode for Mobile Environmental Analysis

Based on poly(vinyl chloride) membranes, a novel miniaturized screen-printed all-solid-state copper(II)-selective electrode has been developed for applications in environmental monitoring. Performance and applicability of the ion-selective electrode (ISE) have been proved by potentiometric investigations. Conducting polymers were used as intermediate layers and as solid contacts between the ion-selective membrane and the graphite transducer. The ion-complexing reagent 2-mercapto-benzoxazole was incorporated into poly(vinyl chloride) membranes. In the concentration range 10-6 - 10-2 mol/L, the ISE exhibited a linear Nernstian potential response to copper(II) with an average slope value of 28 mV/decade. The detection limit was 3 × 10-7 mol/L. The electrode exhibits a short response time (<10 s) and can be used in the range of pH = 3 - 7. Selectivity coefficents against certain interfering ions are investigated. The life time of the electrode under laboratory conditions was approximately 12-month. The electrode was applied in the investigation of different aqueous environmental samples and the electrode characteristics were described. The copper(II) ASS electrode has also successfully been used in potentiometric, complexometric titrations with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

All-Solid-State Screen-Printed Sensors for Potentiometric Calcium(II) Determinations in Environmental Samples

This paper describes preparation, characterization and electrochemical performance of novel planar miniaturized all-solid-state (ASS) screen-printed potentiometric sensors for the detection of Ca2+ ions in environmental samples. Screen-printed graphite-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) and screen-printed reference electrodes based on silver-containing pastes have been applied in a space saving manner on common ceramic substrates with small dimensions. Applications to environmental samples are shown by direct potentiometry and potentiometric titrations in real water samples. Conducting polymers (CPs) have been used as solid-contact materials and as intermediate layer between the polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-containing ion-selective membrane and the graphite-containing substrate. Different diamides have been incorporated into the PVC membrane. In the range from 10-4 mol/L to 10-1 mol/L, the ISEs show linear slopes of 27 mV/decade, which is close to the Nernstian response. Moreover, the ISEs have response times of 6 months. The novel potentiometric ASS sensors enable simple and exact Ca2+ determinations in real samples.