Universal Ion-Selective Electrode Plasticizer System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion-selective electrodes are limited in their ability to detect a wide range of organic ions and ionizable organic molecules due to their lipophilic nature and the need for specific ionophores, leading to mechanical instability and limited applicability across different chemical structures and environments.
Innovation Solution
A universal ion-selective polymeric matrix composed of plasticized poly(vinylchloride) with mesamoll and/or 2-(octyloxy)benzonitrile as main plasticizers, allowing for post-manufacturing conditioning to enhance sensitivity and robustness across a wide range of organic ions and ionizable molecules, including those with low logP values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional lipophilic ion-selective membranes with specific ionophores are used, then selectivity for specific ions is improved, but applicability to a wide range of organic ions and mechanical stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a single polymeric membrane composition that can detect multiple types of organic ions and ionizable molecules across different chemical classes. The membrane uses a universal plasticizer system (mesamoll and/or 2-(octyloxy)benzonitrile) that provides broad-spectrum ion detection capability without requiring separate optimized membranes for each analyte type, thus achieving multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the membrane composition parameters - specifically using a novel plasticizer system with defined weight ratios (60-65% mesamoll and/or 2-(octyloxy)benzonitrile) and controlled ionophore concentrations (0.01-5.0%). These parameter optimizations enable the membrane to maintain performance across diverse organic ions while improving mechanical stability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional ion-selective membranes are used, then detection capability for specific ions is improved, but mechanical stability and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining PVC polymer matrix with specific plasticizers (mesamoll and/or 2-(octyloxy)benzonitrile) and ionophores in optimized proportions. This composite formulation creates a membrane that simultaneously achieves high detection sensitivity for organic ions and improved mechanical robustness, resolving the trade-off between sensitivity and stability.
3Measurement precision
If specific ionophores are incorporated for each analyte, then measurement accuracy for that analyte is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for multiple specialized membranes by creating a universal membrane composition that can accurately detect various organic ions using the same plasticizer system. This reduces device complexity and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining measurement accuracy across different analytes through the universal plasticizer-ionophore combination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a highly accurate, sensitive, and robust ion-selective electrode capable of detecting a broad range of organic ions and molecules, maintaining performance in various media and pH conditions, and is applicable in direct potentiometry, standard addition, inline measurements, and titration.
Implementation Method 1
The main component of said electroactive membrane is a neutral or charged compound, which is able to complex ions reversibly and to transfer them through an organic membrane by carrier translocation
Implementation Method 2
a neutral or charged compound, which is able to complex ions reversibly
Implementation Method 3
The ion-selective potential difference occurs at the phase boundary between active electrode material/electrolyte and depends according to the Nernst equation on the activity of a specific ion in the solution
Implementation Method 4
Diffusion coefficients for dissolved low molecular weight ionophores are in the order of 10−7-10−8 cm2/s
Implementation Method 5
Ion activity measurements are performed predominantly in aqueous media, so all membrane constituents are lipophilic. Therefore, the primary interaction between the ion in water and the lipophilic membrane containing the ionophore is the extraction process
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to universal ion-selective electrode optimized for determinations of organic molecules. As opposed to the state of the art only one electrode composition is applicable to a variety of organic ions and ionizable molecules. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an ISE composition that is optimized for the universal detection and determination of a very wide range of organic ions an ionizable organic molecules. As opposed to the state of the art this composition allows fast and sensitive detection of a very wide range of molecules independent of their chemical structure, class or number of charges. This optimized sensor can be used in different methodologies, e.g.: direct potentiometrie, standard addition, inline measurements and titration.