Electrodes supported on ion-exchange membranes as sensors in gases and low-conductivity solvents

An electroanalytical sensor is proposed that is suitable for the detection of electroactive analytes present in gases or low-conductivity solvents where supporting electrolytes cannot be introduced. It consists of a porous working electrode supported on one surface of a cationic ion-exchange membrane (Nafion 417), the other surface of which is in contact with an electrolyte solution containing the counter and reference electrodes. Such an ion-exchange membrane replaces a conventional supporting electrolyte dissolved in the analyte sample and can be regarded as a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) confined in the close neighbourhood of the working electrode. Alternative procedures followed for coating SPE membranes with various materials (Pt, Au, C or Hg) are described, together with the general properties displayed by the resulting composite electrodes in analyte-free gaseous or liquid media. These assemblies have been used as both voltammetric and amperometric sensors for electroactive analytes present in gases and in aqueous or organic solvents with no supporting electrolyte. The results indicate that their performance is similar to that expected on conventional electrodes, the only difference being a slightly lower degree of reversibility for the electrode processes investigated. Detection limits for some analytes were calculated and the use of SPE electrodes as sensors suitable for the continuous monitoring of electroactive analytes dispersed in gases or non-conductive liquids is reported. Preliminary attempts to use these assemblies for the determination of trace metals in low-conductivity solvents by anodic stripping voltammetry are discussed.