Potentiometric RuO2–Ta2O5 pH sensors fabricated using thick film and LTCC technologies

The paper reports on the preparation, properties and application of potentiometric pH sensors with thick film RuO2–Ta2O5 sensing electrode and Ag/AgCl/KCl reference electrode screen printed on an alumina substrate. Furthermore, it presents fabrication procedure and characterization of a new miniatur...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Talanta (Oxford) 2016-01, Vol.147, p.233-240
Main Authors: Manjakkal, Libu, Zaraska, Krzysztof, Cvejin, Katarina, Kulawik, Jan, Szwagierczak, Dorota
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Hysteresis effect
LTCC
pH sensor
Potentiometric analysis
RuO2–Ta2O5
Thick film
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The paper reports on the preparation, properties and application of potentiometric pH sensors with thick film RuO2–Ta2O5 sensing electrode and Ag/AgCl/KCl reference electrode screen printed on an alumina substrate. Furthermore, it presents fabrication procedure and characterization of a new miniaturized pH sensor on LTCC (low temperature cofired ceramics) substrate, destined for wireless monitoring. The crystal structure, phase and elemental composition, and microstructure of the films were investigated by X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Potentiometric characterization was performed in a wide pH range of 2–12 for different storage conditions and pH loops. The advantages of the proposed thick film pH sensors are: (a) low cost and easy fabrication, (b) excellent sensitivity close to the Nernstian response (56mV/pH) in the wide pH range, (c) fast response, (d) long lifetime, (e) good reproducibility, (f) low hysteresis and drift effects, and (g) low cross-sensitivity towards Li+, Na+ and K+ as interfering ions. The applicability of the sensors for pH measurement of river, tap and distilled water, and some drinks was also tested. [Display omitted] •Binary metal oxide pastes based on RuO2–Ta2O5 were developed.•Thick film potentiometric pH sensors were fabricated on alumina and LTCC substrates.•Structural and composition studies were performed.•Nonlinear characteristics of thick film pH sensors were investigated.•LTCC technology was utilized for wireless pH sensor application.
ISSN:0039-9140
1873-3573
DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2015.09.069