Glass Electrode - Range of A PH Glass Electrode

Range of A PH Glass Electrode

The pH range at constant concentration can be divided into 3 parts:

  • Complete realization of general electrode function, where dependence of potential on pH has linear behavior and within which such electrode really works as ion-selective electrode for pH.

where F is Faraday's constant.

  • Alkali error range - at low concentration of hydrogen ions (high values of pH) contributions of interfering alkali metals (like Li, Na, K) are comparable with the one of hydrogen ions. In this situation dependence of the potential on pH become non-linear.

The effect is usually noticeable at pH > 12, and concentrations of lithium or sodium ions of 0.1 moles per litre or more. Potassium ions usually cause less error than sodium ions.

  • Acidic error range – at very high concentration of hydrogen ions (low values of pH) the dependence of the electrode on pH becomes non-linear and the influence of the anions in the solution also becomes noticeable. These effects usually become noticeable at pH < -1.

There are different types of pH glass electrode, some of them have improved characteristics for working in alkaline or acidic media. But almost all electrodes have sufficient properties for working in the most popular pH range from pH = 2 to pH = 12. Special electrodes should be used only for working in aggressive conditions.

Most of text written above is also correct for any ion-exchange electrodes.

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