Electrochemical Visualization of an Ion-Selective Membrane Using a Carbon Nanoelectrode

Molecular and physical probes have been widely employed to investigate physicochemical properties and mechanisms of interfaces due to their ability to provide accurate measurements with temporal and spatial resolution. However, the direct measurement of electroactive species diffusion in ion-selective electrode (ISE) membranes and quantification of the water layer have been challenging due to the high impedance and optical opacity of polymer membranes. In the present work, carbon nanoelectrodes with ultrathin insulating encapsulation and good geometrical structure are reported as physical probes for direct electrochemical measurement of the water layer. The scanning electrochemical microscopy experiment exhibits positive feedback at the interface of the fresh ISE, and negative feedback after conditioning for 3 h. The thickness of the water layer was estimated to be ca. 13 nm. For the first time, we provide direct evidence that, during conditioning, the water molecules diffuse through the chloride ion selective membrane (Cl-ISM) until a water layer establishes at almost 3 h. Furthermore, the diffusion coefficient and concentration of oxygen molecules in the Cl-ISM are also directly electrochemical measured by introducing ferrocene (Fc) as a redox molecule probe. The oxygen concentration in the Cl-ISM decreases during conditioning, suggesting the diffusion of oxygen from ISM to the water layer. The proposed method can be used for the electrochemical measurement of solid contact, providing theoretical guidance and advice for the performance optimization of ISEs.