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Review
. 2020 Aug 14;20(16):4568.
doi: 10.3390/s20164568.

Modern Electrode Technologies for Ion and Molecule Sensing

William S Skinner  1   2 , Keat Ghee Ong  2
Affiliations
Review

Modern Electrode Technologies for Ion and Molecule Sensing

William S Skinner et al. Sensors (Basel). .

Abstract

In high concentrations, ionic species can be toxic in the body, catalyzing unwanted bioreactions, inhibiting enzymes, generating free radicals, in addition to having been associated with diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer. Although ionic species are ubiquitous in the environment in trace amounts, high concentrations of these metals are often found within industrial and agricultural waste runoff. Therefore, it remains a global interest to develop technologies capable of quickly and accurately detecting trace levels of ionic species, particularly in aqueous environments that naturally contain other competing/inhibiting ions. Herein, we provide an overview of the technologies that have been developed, including the general theory, design, and benefits/challenges associated with ion-selective electrode technologies (carrier-doped membranes, carbon-based varieties, enzyme inhibition electrodes). Notable variations of these electrodes will be highlighted, and a brief overview of associated electrochemical techniques will be given.

Keywords: bio-sensors; electrochemical; electrode; environmental sensors; ion-selective; voltammetry.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
General electrochemical cell set-up. Typically, a potentiostat is used as the ammeter, voltmeter, and function generator.
Figure 2
Figure 2
General design of a carrier-doped liquid-membrane electrode.
Figure 3
Figure 3
General enzyme features relevant to sensing technology.
Figure 4
Figure 4
(A) Potential vs. time signal for linear sweep; (B) Potential vs. time signal for cyclic voltammetry; (C) Potential vs. time signal for square wave voltammetry; (D) Potential vs. time signal for stripping voltammetry. Anodic stripping is shown in this case.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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