Development of a miniaturised electrochemical cell integrated on epoxy-glass laminate

The development of the miniaturised electrochemical cell integrated on epoxy-glass laminate support is reported. Potassium-selective microelectrodes based on valinomycin and two polymeric matrices [plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) and polyurethane] have been fabricated on planar Au or Ag/AgCl transducers. Polymeric layers containing ionic liquid were cast on the surface of Ag/AgCl microelectrodes to form the reference half-cells. Performances of the ion-sensitive and reference microelectrodes (i.e., ion-selectivity, slopes of calibration curves, signal stability and repeatability, long-term stability) were studied. The influence of the method of membrane deposition on sensor characteristics was not significant, however the microelectrodes with polyurethane membranes exhibited better durability. Theoretical calibration curves were obtained when K+-selective electrodes and reference electrodes were integrated on a single substrate. The designed electrochemical cell may be helpful in further studies devoted to the development of miniaturised electrode arrays for multi-component analysis or electronic tongues purposes.