An integrated measurement of six response performance indicators for lead ion-selective electrodes and application.

A heavy metal ion-selective electrode (ISE) with highly multiple response performances, rather than a high single response performance, is needed urgently for in situ, real-time environmental monitoring. In this study, we present an integrated measurement of six response performance variables such as the response slope, selectivity, dynamical range, detection limit, response time, and lifetime. They are selected and used as the indicators of the quality assessment for Pb-ISEs. The measurement, named as electrode comprehensive quality index (I), is a single number for a given ISE. The comprehensive qualities of 114 Pb-ISEs reported in the literature were evaluated through the index method. Twenty-one Pb-ISEs-based polymer membrane with top 3 I values for seven different properties have been recommended by evaluating and screening of the electrodes. Five Pb-ISEs-based polymer membrane with the best single response performance were also provided. The recommended Pb-ISEs, along with the corresponding Pb-ISEs with the miniaturized configurations, will provide helpful guideline for the application of Pb-ISE with highly multiple response performances in real-time environmental monitoring.