Potentiometric response, differential

Potentiometric titration curves normally are represented by a plot of the indicator-electrode potential as a function of volume of titrant, as indicated in Fig. 4.2. However, there are some advantages if the data are plotted as the first derivative of the indicator potential with respect to volume of titrant (or even as the second derivative). Such titration curves also are indicated in Figure 4.2, and illustrate that a more definite endpoint indication is provided by both differential curves than by the integrated form of the titration curve. Furthermore, titration by repetitive constant-volume increments allows the endpoint to be determined without a plot of the titration curve the endpoint coincides with the condition when the differential potentiometric response per volume increment is a maximum. Likewise, the endpoint can be determined by using the second derivative the latter has distinct advantages in that there is some indication of the approach of the endpoint as the second derivative approaches a positive maximum just prior to the equivalence point before passing through zero. Such a second-derivative response is particularly attractive for automated titration systems that stop at the equivalence point. 

Nicholson proposed a differential potentiometric tltrator involving two indicator electrodes for the automatic control of processes in industrial plants [35]. As can be seen from Fig. 7.20, the sample and reagent streams are split and led to two half-cells via capillary tubes adjusted to provide slightly different titrated fractions. The potential difference (AE) between the two indicator electrodes Is transmitted to a control and detection system (D) which regulates the flow of titrant in an automatic fashion by means of valve V, thereby maintaining the preselected AE between the two ends of the cell. The speed of titrant addition, reflected by the flow meter (M), is a measure of the sample composition. An evaluation of the instrument carried out by the titration of dichromate with iron(II) revealed that the conditions to be used must be carefully selected. Thus, stable electrode responses are only obtained in the zone where Fe(II) prevails, and not in that where dichromate prevails over the former as the process determining the potential obtained in such a zone is irreversible. This method therefore has limited application in the control of slow reactions. 

Singer JM, O Hare MJ, Rehm CR and Zarembo JE, Chlorthalidone, APDS, 14, 1-34 (1985) Fleurren ALJ, van Ginneken CAM and van Rossum JM, Differential potentiometric method for determining dissociation constants of very sli tly water soluble drugs applied to die sulfonamide diuretic chlorthalidone, /. Pharm. Sci., 68(8), 1056-1058 (1979). NB The sulfonamide function present in chlordialidone, is considered to be responsible for the acid dissociation. The ionization constant of chlorthalidone was determined based on spectrophotometric measurements of the concentration [chlor] at various pH values ... 

Because each enzyme sensor has its own unique response, it is necessary to construct the calibration curve for each sensor separately. In other words, there is no general theoretical response relationship, in the same sense as the Nernst equation is. As always, the best way to reduce interferences is to use two sensors and measure them differentially. Thus, it is possible to prepare two identical enzyme sensors and either omit or deactivate the enzyme in one of them. This sensor then acts as a reference. If the calibration curve is constructed by plotting the difference of the two outputs as the function of concentration of the substrate, the effects of variations in the composition of the sample as well as temperature and light variations can be substantially reduced. Examples of potentiometric enzyme electrodes are listed in Table 6.5. 

Equation (7.116) indicates that the charge-potential curves for reversible processes are only dependent on the square wave amplitude Sw and are independent of the frequency / = 1 jh and the staircase amplitude AEs. As a consequence, they are superimposable on those obtained at any differential electrochemical technique, such as DSCVC, provided that the differences between the successive potential pulses coincide (AE = 2 sw)- Moreover, when this difference is much less than RT/F (i.e., less than 25 mV at T = 198 K), the responses obtained in Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Alternating Current Voltammetry, Potentiometric Stripping Analysis (PSA) and also in any Reciprocal Derivative Chronopotentiometry (RDCP) fulfill [5, 74, 75] ... 

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