Development of reusable screen-printed ion-selective electrodes with calibration-free operation
Pavel Sengupta1, Chloe Ramsperger1, Dipankar Koley1
1Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
Sensors and Actuators Reports
|January 12, 2026
Summary
Reusable screen-printed ion-selective electrodes (SP-ISEs) for sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) were developed. These calibration-free sensors offer stable, reproducible measurements in environmental samples, bridging the gap between lab systems and field applications.
Area of Science:
- Electroanalytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) are crucial for ion concentration measurements.
- Developing reusable, calibration-free ISEs remains a significant challenge.
- Existing solid-state ISEs often lack long-term stability and field deployability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel, reusable, calibration-free screen-printed ion-selective electrodes (SP-ISEs).
- To investigate the performance of SP-ISEs with a unique carbon paste and PEDOT:PEDOT-S back contact.
- To assess the stability, reusability, and practical utility of these SP-ISEs for environmental monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of SP-ISEs using carbon paste and PEDOT:PEDOT-S copolymer back contact.
- Implementation of a low current treatment to stabilize the electrode intercept.
- Evaluation of electrochemical performance, including Nernstian response, potential stability, and selectivity.
- Testing of reusability over multiple cycles and prolonged dry storage (28 days).
- Validation of sensor performance by analyzing Na+ and Ca2+ in environmental samples (tap water, hydroponics solutions).
Main Results:
- Achieved near-Nernstian responses for Na+ (52.1 mV/log [aNa+]) and Ca2+ (27.3 mV/log [aCa2+]).
- Demonstrated exceptional potential stability and reproducible calibration curves across multiple measurement cycles, confirming reusability.
- Maintained selectivity against interfering ions and operated reliably after 28 days of dry storage.
- Successfully quantified Na+ and Ca2+ in tap water and hydroponics solutions, validating practical utility.
Conclusions:
- The developed SP-ISEs offer a stable, reusable, and calibration-free solution for ion analysis.
- The unique back contact and low current treatment enable consistent performance and long-term stability.
- These cost-effective and robust sensors are suitable for scalable, field-deployable environmental monitoring applications.
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