Cu-ion-selective membranes based on chalcogenide glasses

Thin film sensors on the basis of evaporated layers of chalcogenide glasses for heavy metal ions are developed. In spite of the promising results and good electrochemical performance, the long-term stability of chalcogenide-based thin film sensors is still a problem. In this paper, AES study was made to clarify the problem with “the aging” of chalcogenide thin film membranes.The electrochemical performance of chalcogenide glass membranes covered with plasma deposited polymer film of polyhexamethyldisiloxane (PHMDSO) and vacuum deposited polyimide (PI) was investigated. It was established that both polymer layers improve the electrochemical characteristics of the membranes—increase the sensitivity, the detection limits and long-term stability while maintaining a stable response time and very good reproducibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]