Solid-state sodium-selective sensors based on screen-printed Ag/AgCl reference electrodes

The potentiometric and AC impedance characteristics of all solid-state sodium-selective electrodes based on planar screen-printed Ag/AgCl electrodes are described. Two solid-state designs have been investigated. The first was based on the deposition of a sodium-selective PVC membrane directly on top of a screen-printed Ag/AgCl electrode, The second design included a NaCl doped hydrogel layer, between the PVC and Ag\AgCl layers. The hydrogel provides a mechanism to relieve any blockage to charge transfer occurring when PVC membranes are used directly on top of Ag/AgCl and also improves adhesion between the two layers. Results suggest the electrodes display Fast ion exchange kinetics, low noise and drift. The performance compares favorably to that of a conventional ion-selective electrode with internal filling solution.