Research Applications

pH and Ion Selective Electrodes

 
pH electrodes

The vast majority of pH electrodes comprise a thin glass bulb as the measuring electrode. They also require a reference electrode which may be incorporated into the measuring electrode (which is then known as a combination electrode). These are suitable for use with the:

  • pH & ISE isoPod suitable for combination electrodes  or electrodes with a separate reference.

We also supply a:

  • pH Electrode combination 'double junction' design resists fouling and is easily cleaned - especially good for biological samples. Supplied with guarded tip for general purpose use, and micro tip for use with small samples (about 0.5 mL or more). Good quality laboratory electrode.
  • pH 'TuffTip' electrode. Specially hardened glass bulb for use in student laboratories

Manufacturers of other pH electrodes include:


 

Ion Selective electrodes

Although there are several methods of construction most of these electrodes work by changing their potential (voltage) in response to changes in ionic concentration. They usually require a pH meter, and normally they require a separate reference electrode (usually a silver/silver chloride reference is suitable), and so are suitable for use with the eDAQ pH Amp. Make sure you have a combination-type electrode if you want to use it with an eDAQ pH Pod.

These are usually suitable for use with:

  • pH & ISE isoPod for electrodes with a separate reference connect the refernce electrode to the shell of the BNC connector on the back panel of the isoPod.

Electrodes are available for many ionic species including sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, nitrate, sulfide, etc, and are available from:


 

pHFET and ISFET electrodes

Occasionally you may come across pHFET (pH field effect transistor) and ISFET (ion selective field effect transistor) electrodes. In general these electrodes require a specially designed meter (they will NOT work with the pH Amp or pH Pod, or most other standard pH meters). Usually the pHFET or ISFET electrode and meter will be obtained from the same manufacturer - you will need to check the meter specification to see is an analog signal is provided that is compatible with e-corder.
 

  • Sentron, TitanX meter and electrodes


 

Fibre Optic probes

It is possible to monitor pH by the use of fibre optic technology. The tip of the fibre optic probe is coated in a special dye which changes colour in a known way with changes in pH. A special meter must be used with the probe and both are usually bought from the same manufacturer.

 


DISCLAIMER: The appearance of a third party company or product on this page is for informational purposes and constitutes neither a recommendation nor an endorsement.