Miniaturized reference electrodes with microporous polymer junctions

The construction and evaluation of a simple and effective mini-reference electrode is presented. Major innovations are the use of high density microporous polyethylene for the restricted flow junction between the internal and external electrolyte and a polypropylene disposable pipette tip as the electrode body. Low electrolyte bleeding, reduced size, relatively low electrical resistance and simplified procedure of construction are some of the advantages of the presented design. These characteristics make this electrode particularly suitable for use with small-volume cells and flow cells, as well as applications where chloride contamination should be avoided. Other applications for the microporous membrane in electroanalysis are introduced.