Ionophores

Ionophores play a crucial role in sensors, particularly in ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or ion-selective sensors. These sensors are designed to detect specific ions in a sample solution based on the selective binding of the ionophore to the target ion.

In ion-selective electrodes, the ionophore is typically incorporated into a membrane that separates the sample solution from an internal reference solution. When the target ion is present in the sample solution, it selectively binds to the ionophore in the membrane, causing a change in the electrical potential across the electrode. This change in potential can be measured and correlated with the concentration of the target ion in the sample.

Ionophores confer selectivity to the sensor, allowing it to distinguish between different ions based on their chemical properties. By choosing specific ionophores, sensors can be tailored to detect a wide range of ions, including metal ions, pH, and gases.