Characterization of all solid state hydrogen ion selective electrode based on PVC-SR hybrid membranes

Hydrogen ion selective membranes formulated with 3140 RTV silicone rubber (SR) in PVC were studied to extend the life time of solid state ion sensors through improved membrane adhesion. All solid state hydrogen ion selective electrodes were prepared by incorporation of tridodecyl amine (TDDA) as an ionophore, potassium tetrakis[3,5-bis(p-chlorophenyl)borate (KTpClPB) as a lipophilic additive, bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DOA) as a plasticizer. Their linear dynamic range was pH 2.0-11.0 and showed the near Nernstian slope of 55.1 +/- 0.2 mV/pH (r=0.999). The influences from alkali and alkaline earth metal ions were studied for the response of the final ISE membrane composition. Impedance spectroscopic data showed that the resistance was increased by increasing SR content in PVC. Brewster Angle Microscopy (BAM) image showed clear differences according to the SR compositions in PVC. Life time of the all solid state membrane electrode was extended to about 2 months by preparing the membrane with PVC and SR. The standard reference material from NIST (2181 HEPES Free acid and 2182 NaHEPESate) was tested for the ISE and it gave a good result.