Ion Selective Electrodes

Question 1

Describe ISE’s

Answer 1

ISE’s work based on potentiometry, and are used to measure concentration of a specific ion in a solution
Electrical potential difference is measured by the difference between an ISE membrane electrode and a reference electrode

Question 2

What is the ISE membrane electrode made of and how does it work

Answer 2

The membrane can be made of glass, solid-state materials, or liquid-ion exchangers
When the target ion interacts with the electrode it generates a potential difference

Question 3

What are the components of an ISE

Answer 3

ISE electrode, reference electrode, measurement system, sample solution

Question 4

What is the procedure to use an ISE

Answer 4

Prepare a number of solutions with known concentrations of the ion
Measure the potential of each to make a calibration curve
Immerse the ISE and reference electrode in the sample and record potential
Use the calibration curve or Nernst equation to find concentration of ion

Question 5

What are they used in?

Answer 5

big pharma
clinical chem
food and bev industry
environmental monitoring