Abstract
The applicability of extremely thin non-electroneutral membranes for ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) is investigated. A theoretical treatment of potential and concentration profiles in space-charge membranes of << 1 μm thickness is presented. The theory is based on the Nernst-Planck equation for ion fluxes, which reduces to Boltzmann's formula at equilibrium, and on the Poisson relationship between space-charge density and electric field gradient. A general solution in integral form is obtained for the potential function and the corresponding ion profiles at equilibrium. A series of explicit sub-solutions is derived for particular cases. Membrane systems with up to three different ion species are discussed, including trapped ionic sites and co-extracted ions. Solid-contacted thin membranes (without formation of aqueous films at the inner interface) are shown to exhibit a sub-Nernstian response. The theoretical results are confirmed by numerical simulations using a simplified finite-difference procedure based on the Nernst-Planck-Poisson model, which are shown to be in excellent agreement.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of electroanalytical chemistry (Lausanne, Switzerland)
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
