Synthesis of Fluorinated Ion-Selective Electrode Membranes Containing Various Additives

Abstract

Fluorous polymeric membranes are used in new ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) in order to reduce biofouling and to increase the lifetime of the ISEs. Biofouling is caused by sample components seeping into the membrane, which reduces the lifetime of the sensors and can also reduce the ISEs’ reliability. Such membranes were synthesized by cross-linking fluorous monomer components using varying ratios with and without additives such as the radical initiator and the ionic site. The radical initiator initiates the polymerization, and the ionic site provides ion exchange capacity and reduces membrane resistance. The membranes were analyzed to quantify cross-linking efficiency as well as to determine membrane response and resistance. It was shown that cross-linked membranes with 50% styryl end groups were more flexible, thinner, and more successfully cross-linked than those membranes with 100% styryl end groups. Furthermore, in membranes containing additives such as the ionic site, cross-linking was not affected by its addition and the membranes exhibited low resistance and excellent response.