Metal Complexes as Promising Ionophores for the Production of Anion-Selective Electrodes with Improved Selectivity

The possibility of producing liquid anion-selective electrodes with improved selectivity based on the capability of the metal atom to coordinate the analyzed anions is illustrated using numerous examples. The subjects under consideration were electrodes based on high-stable lipophilic metal complexes with polydentate organic ligands, electrodes based on lipophilic organometallic compounds capable of coordinating anionic ligands, and electrodes based on higher quarternary ammonium salts that respond to lipophilic anionic metal complexes, in particular, the electrodes with the ligand function. The theoretical principles underlying the above electrode operation are discussed. Methods for optimizing the composition of the membrane and of the studied solution are suggested with the aim to improve the selectivity of the electrode.