The preparation and response characteristics of a carbonate-selective polymer membrane electrode are reported. The electrode is prepared by incorporating Aliquat 336, trifluoroacetyl-p-butylbenzene and di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate or dioctyl phthalate in a poly(vinylchloride) membrane matrix. The effect of membrane composition and electrode response in various buffer systems are examined. Under buffer conditions appropriate for practical measurements, potentiometric data yield the following selectivity pattern: ClO4- = salicylate> total carbon dioxide species> I- > NO3- > acetate> Cl- > Br-. The electrode can be readily fabricated in tubular form and utilized within a very simple flow-injection arrangement to determine total carbon dioxide species. The possible applications of the electrode to serum CO2 measurements as well as within newly devised gas-sensing arrangements for dissolved CO2 are also examined.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/23870/1/0000109.pd
