Cavity microelectrode for studying manganese dioxide powder as pH sensor.

The potential-pH response of an electrolytic manganese dioxide is investigated by means of a cavity microelectrode (CME). The potential-pH curves show a complex evolution that could be explained by the disporportionation of MnOOH species, leading to the formation of Mn(2+) ions on the MnO(2) surface. Such a behaviour is not suited for pH sensor application. However when the tip of the electrode is coated by a Nafion membrane, the potential-pH evolution shows a unique slope close to -60 mV pH(-1). In addition, the sensor exhibits short time responses to pH variations, a good selectivity, and it can be easily renewed compared to classical sensors.