| abstract |
Electrochemical devices constructed according to the present invention can be used to convert an ion flux into an electric current for determination of ion concentration. The devices are operated without the need for a reference electrode and are specific based on known ion transfer agents. Operation of the devices involves the use of pairs of electrodes modified with electroactive redox materials overlaid with ion selective coatings. An applied potential between a pair of appropriately modified electrodes results in the flow of an electric current between the electrodes which is dependent on the concentration of the ion to be sensed. n Devices constructed by combining electrodes overlaid with electroactive polymers and different ion selective films allow simultaneous determination of diverse ions. For example, these devices are useful for measuring the concentration of total cations, total anions, H + , Li + , K + , Ca 2+ , Na + , HCO 3 - , Cl - , other cations and anions, and combinations thereof. The devices are small and stable enough to be used in vivo, for example, as blood monitoring means, or in large scale water quality monitoring or purification/separations techniques. |