Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Potentiometry: Types of Electrodes01:19

Potentiometry: Types of Electrodes

1.9K
Reference electrodes serve as a stable reference point for potentiometric measurements, while indicator and working electrodes react to variations in the composition of a solution.
The Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE) is a widely used reference electrode that maintains zero potential across all temperatures. However, its need for a continuous hydrogen gas supply renders it impractical for everyday use.
An alternative to SHE is the Saturated Calomel Electrode (SCE). This electrode features an...
1.9K
Potentiometry: Membrane Electrodes01:15

Potentiometry: Membrane Electrodes

1.6K
Membrane electrodes, also known as p-ion electrodes, use membranes that selectively interact with free analyte ions, generating a potential difference across the membrane. The resulting membrane potential, known as the asymmetry potential, is not zero even when analyte concentrations on both sides of the membrane are equal. The membrane's response is typically not selective to a single analyte but proportional to the concentration of all ions in the sample solution capable of interacting at...
1.6K
Electrodes: Overview01:17

Electrodes: Overview

2.5K
 Electrochemical measurements are conducted in an electrochemical cell composed of various components that control and measure the current and potential. One fundamental component is electrodes, conductive materials that enable electron transfer reactions at their surfaces.
There are two main types of electrodes in electrochemical cells. The first type, known as the working or indicator electrode, has a potential that is sensitive to the analyte's concentration and reacts to changes in...
2.5K
Ion Exchange01:17

Ion Exchange

1.1K
Ion exchange chromatography separates charged molecules from a solution by reversibly exchanging them with mobile, or 'active', ions associated with the oppositely charged stationary phase. This method can be used to separate ions, soften and deionize water, and purify solutions. The polymers comprising the ion-exchange column are high-molecular-weight and chemically stable polymers, crosslinked to be porous and essentially insoluble. They are also functionalized with either acidic or...
1.1K
Potentiometry: Overview01:06

Potentiometry: Overview

4.1K
Potentiometry is an analytical technique that measures the potential difference between two electrodes in an electrochemical cell without drawing any significant current that could alter the solution's composition. This method employs an indicator electrode, which exchanges electrons with the analyte solution, and a reference electrode with a constant potential. Each electrode is immersed in a solution comprised of two half-cells. In a conventional setup, the reference electrode serves as...
4.1K
Electrolyte and Nonelectrolyte Solutions02:21

Electrolyte and Nonelectrolyte Solutions

70.9K
Substances that undergo either a physical or a chemical change in solution to yield ions that can conduct electricity are called electrolytes. If a substance yields ions in solution, that is, if the compound undergoes 100% dissociation, then the substance is a strong electrolyte. Complete dissociation is indicated by a single forward arrow. For example, water-soluble ionic compounds like sodium chloride dissociate into sodium cations and chloride anions in aqueous solution.
70.9K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Overcoming Limitations for Ultrasensitive <i>In Situ </i>pH Measurements in Marine Waters while Maintaining Traceability to Primary Standards.

Chimia·2026
Same author

Symmetrical pH Electrochemical Cell Coupled to Constant Potential Coulometry for Improved Sensitivity and Precision: Part 1. Fundamental Considerations.

ACS measurement science au·2026
Same author

Symmetrical pH Electrochemical Cell Coupled to Constant Potential Coulometry for Improved Sensitivity and Precision: Part 2. Submersible Probe for In Situ Measurements.

ACS measurement science au·2026
Same author

Let Us Talk about pH, the Confusing Pillar of Aqueous Systems.

ACS sensors·2025
Same author

Spatially Resolved Ion Sensing by Voltammetric Ion Transfer Microscopy.

JACS Au·2025
Same author

Covalent Attachment of Molecularly Thin PVC Membrane by Click Chemistry for Ionophore-Based Ion Sensors.

Analytical chemistry·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 12, 2026

In Situ Lithiated Reference Electrode: Four Electrode Design for In-operando Impedance Spectroscopy
09:36

In Situ Lithiated Reference Electrode: Four Electrode Design for In-operando Impedance Spectroscopy

Published on: September 12, 2018

9.2K

Ionophores for Reference Electrodes Based on Organic Electrolytes.

Nikolai Yu Tiuftiakov1, Eric Bakker1

  • 1Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.

Analytical Chemistry
|November 7, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a novel reference electrode (RE) stabilization mechanism using ionophores and mismatched electrolytes. This approach enhances stability and reduces sample contamination for miniaturized sensing systems.

More Related Videos

A Protocol for Electrochemical Evaluations and State of Charge Diagnostics of a Symmetric Organic Redox Flow Battery
09:49

A Protocol for Electrochemical Evaluations and State of Charge Diagnostics of a Symmetric Organic Redox Flow Battery

Published on: February 13, 2017

10.9K
In Vitro Multiparametric Cellular Analysis by Micro Organic Charge-modulated Field-effect Transistor Arrays
10:05

In Vitro Multiparametric Cellular Analysis by Micro Organic Charge-modulated Field-effect Transistor Arrays

Published on: September 20, 2021

2.8K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jan 12, 2026

In Situ Lithiated Reference Electrode: Four Electrode Design for In-operando Impedance Spectroscopy
09:36

In Situ Lithiated Reference Electrode: Four Electrode Design for In-operando Impedance Spectroscopy

Published on: September 12, 2018

9.2K
A Protocol for Electrochemical Evaluations and State of Charge Diagnostics of a Symmetric Organic Redox Flow Battery
09:49

A Protocol for Electrochemical Evaluations and State of Charge Diagnostics of a Symmetric Organic Redox Flow Battery

Published on: February 13, 2017

10.9K
In Vitro Multiparametric Cellular Analysis by Micro Organic Charge-modulated Field-effect Transistor Arrays
10:05

In Vitro Multiparametric Cellular Analysis by Micro Organic Charge-modulated Field-effect Transistor Arrays

Published on: September 20, 2021

2.8K

Area of Science:

  • Electrochemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Reference electrodes (REs) are crucial for miniaturized sensing systems but face challenges like limited lifetime and sample contamination.
  • Highly lipophilic electrolytes offer solutions but often suffer from mismatched salt stoichiometry, compromising RE performance.
  • Existing REs struggle with compatibility in complex sample matrices, hindering broader adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel potential stabilization mechanism for reference electrodes using ionophores and ion-mismatched electrolytes.
  • To overcome limitations of conventional reference electrodes, including leaching, contamination, and poor matrix compatibility.
  • To create stable, maintenance-free sensing systems for diverse applications.

Main Methods:

  • Incorporation of an ionophore into the reference electrode membrane to create an ion mismatch.
  • Utilizing complexation and ion-exchange processes at the membrane/sample interface for potential stabilization.
  • Theoretical simulations to investigate the mechanism and experimental validation with lipophilic salts and valinomycin.

Main Results:

  • A novel sample-independent interfacial potential generation mechanism was demonstrated.
  • The developed REs showed notable stability in KCl solutions, with low response slopes (0.4 ± 0.2 mV).
  • Minimal variation (2.7 mV) across repeat calibrations over a wide concentration range was observed.

Conclusions:

  • The ionophore-mediated ion mismatch offers a promising strategy for stabilizing reference electrodes.
  • This approach addresses key limitations of existing REs, paving the way for improved miniaturized sensing systems.
  • Further optimization is needed, but the results indicate significant potential for practical applications.