Pulsed Chronopotentiometry with Polymer-Based Potassium-Selective Electrodes

This research aimed to develop ion-selective electrodes selective to potassium for use in measuring potassium concentration in blood. Potassium is an important electrolyte within the body, orchestrating nerve excitation, muscular function, and heart rate. Excessive or insufficient potassium levels can cause breakdowns in these systems difficult to differentiate from other potential causes. Isolating potassium concentration as the sole cause necessitates selective measurement. Pulsed Chronopotentiometry with polymer-based membrane electrodes offered a versatile route of interrogation: membrane composition and magnitude of applied current can be altered to assess selectivity in a fast and controlled manner. All potential measurements recorded corresponded to known concentrations of potassium. Known concentrations were first used to construct calibration curves, then to explore depletion of ions at the membrane surface. The latter offers a method of measurement not requiring calibration. Both methods saw success when measuring potassium alone, while depletion proved difficult in presence of sodium