Potentiometric ion sensors

The important subgroup of electrochemical sensors is the potentiometric ion sensors or ion-selective electrode (ISEs), which is based on polymeric membranes that contains neutral or charged carriers. Characterized by small size, portability, low-energy consumption, and low cost, the ISEs are available for the determination of a large number of inorganic and organic ions. This article focused on recent achievements and emphasizes the results from the last five years; provides a critical overview on the theory of the potentiometric response; deals with recent advances in the field of solid contact ISEs and recent developments in the area of miniaturized ISEs; and finally, new wave of ISEs. As the result, the response of potentiometric ion sensors is a complex time-dependent phenomenon. However, in obtaining solid-contacts ISEs with reproducible standard potentials is still a challenge. Both conventional and solid-contact ISEs miniaturized versions have been used in a variety of applications. The chemical sensing abilities of ISEs has resulted in a "new wave of ion-selective electrodes", and with the advances made by a number of research groups worldwide, it is concluded that the future of potentiometric ion sensors seem very prospective.