Analytical quality solid-state composite reference electrode and electrochemical platform

A new type of all-solid-state reference electrodes based on a polymer/inorganic salt composite was designed, prepared, and characterized. Both a chemical polymerization method and an injection molding method were used for fabricating those novel electrodes. A rigorous testing procedure was used to reveal possible influence of pH, solution composition, the concentrations, and mobility of ions on the electrode response. The tests demonstrated the insensitivity of the electrodes to the matrix effects, excellent stability of the potential readings, and significantly reduced leakage of inorganic salt. It was shown that composite reference electrodes were on par or better in the performed tests than high-quality commercial reference electrodes. The reference electrodes described here are of analytical quality allowing for continuous, prolonged, and intensive usage. The performance of the reference electrode in demanding matrices such as environmental and biological samples was studied. This concept was further extended to produce the solid state electrochemical platform.