| Abstract: | A new approach to the preparation of an iridium oxide film for pH sensing is demonstrated. A thick, uniform and dense ceramic oxide layer was grown on the surface of an iridium wire by oxidizing the wire in a molten alkali metal carbonate at high temperature. The alkali metal ion from the carbonate melt was incorporated into the oxide, resulting in a highly stable oxide compound. After treated in acid solution, the oxide layer became hydrated. SEM, XRD, TGA and element analysis were carried out to characterize the oxide film, and a possible formula of the oxide was computed as Li0.86IrO2.34(OH)0.76?0.39H2O. The electrode made with this new type of oxide film exhibited good pH sensitivity and stability, even in strong acid/base solutions, or in strong corrosive solution such as hydrofluoric acid. Furthermore, the electrode showed excellent long‐term stability over the test period of two and a half years. In addition, individual electrodes prepared from the same batch exhibited remarkable agreement with respect to potential/pH slopes and apparent standard electrode potentials. The performance of the electrodes depends on the properties of the oxide film, such as composition, hydration state and oxidation state. |
