Polymeric reference electrode

Abstract

The invention is a polymeric reference electrode having properties equal to or superior to prior art electrodes without the presence of a plasticizer and in which such properties are achieved by incorporation in the membrane of a polymer with a sufficiently low glass transition temperature (Tg) to mimic the characteristics of a highly plasticized thermoplastic membrane. Preferred polymers are the polyacrylates, preferably with a linear backbone and pendant substituent groups. The membrane may further include lipophilic polymers and lipophilic additives, such as salts. In the reference electrode the membrane is overlaid on an internal electrode comprised of an internal contact optionally coated with an electrolyte and entrapped in a hydrophilic polymer. The polymeric reference electrode is preferably for use in the context of an ion selective electrode assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.