The use of magnesium silicate (talc) in a potentiometric sensor for hydrogen ions

The construction and analytical evaluation of a pH sensor based in a matrix containing 20% of [(Mg6Si8O20)](OH)4, a magnesium silicate, talc and 30% graphite dispersed in an epoxy resin (50%) is described. The data obtained from various acid–base titrations were compared with those using a glass electrode in the same conditions. The proposed electrode presented a linear response in the 1–12 pH range with a slope of −39.9±0.3 mV/pH (at 25 °C) and ca. 15 s of response time. The lifetime of this electrode was higher than 8 months (ca. 1500 determinations) and it showed a good performance for pH determination and end-point indication in the potentiometric titrations of acids and bases.