A new dynamic hydrogen reference electrode for applications in thin-film sensor systems

The realization and applicability of a new dynamic hydrogen reference electrode (DHRE) within an electrochemical microcell for sensor applications is reported. The electrodes are fabricated in thin-film technology and fixed within a flow-through device. An experimental setup for accurate electrochemical potential measurements is described. Smooth platinum, platinized platinum and pHEMA coated electrodes are investigated with regard to their initialization behavior, stability, reproducibility and interference with electrolytes. It is found that platinized platinum DHREs show excellent stability and reproducibility. For uncoated electrodes, the electrochemical potential is established within seconds. The potential is independent of the pH value within the range of pH 4–10. Interference with sulfate and phosphate is observed. Thus, the platinized platinum DHRE is well suited for bioanalytical sensor applications, where the pH value is buffered and the concentrations of the disturbing anions are constant or very low.