POTENTIOMETRY

prepared by: Banluta, Jesson John L.

What is

Potentiometry?

Potentiometry is a technique used in

analytical chemistry to determine the
concentration of ions or molecules in a
solution by measuring the potential
difference between two electrodes.
 Purpose of

Potentiometry

used to determine the concentration of a solute in

solution.
 When it is
used?
Potentiometry is used in various scenarios, such as:

1. Analyzing the concentration of ions in a solution, like pH measurements in water or the

concentration of specific ions in a sample.
2. Monitoring chemical reactions in real-time, such as titrations where the endpoint is
determined by a change in potential.
3. Quality control in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages to ensure product
consistency and purity.
importance of Potentiometry

Potentiometry is crucial in various fields like

chemistry, medicine, and environmental science. It
enables precise measurement of chemical
concentrations and pH levels, aiding in quality control,
drug analysis, and environmental monitoring.
PRINCIPLE OF
POTENTIOMETRY

This refers to the general technique of

measuring the electrical potential
difference between two electrodes in a
solution. It involves using a reference
electrode and an indicator electrode to
monitor changes in potential, which can
provide information about the composition
or properties of the solution.
Potentiometric method

The potentiometric method is a technique

used in analytical chemistry to measure
the concentration of ions or other
substances in a solutions based on the
potential difference (voltage) between two
electrodes immersed in the solution.
USE OF POTENTIOMETRIC

METHOD

The Potentiometric method is commonly used in

various applications in analytical chemistry when
precise measurements of ion concentrations or
chemical species in a solution are required.
 some common situations where the Potentiometric method is used:

1. Acid-Base Titrations: Potentiometric titrations are frequently used to determine the

endpoint of acid-base reactions by measuring the change in electrical potential as the
titrant is added to the analyte solution.

2. Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) Measurements: ISEs are used in Potentiometric

measurements to selectively detect specific ions in a solution. This is useful in
environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical analysis, and water quality testing.

3. Redox Reactions: Potentiometric measurements can be utilized to study redox reactions

by monitoring changes in the electrical potential as electrons are transferred between
species.

4. Complexometric Titrations: In complexometric titrations, Potentiometric methods can be

employed to determine the endpoint of metal complex formation reactions.
POTENTIOMETRIC

TITRATION

Potentiometric titration is a technique similar to direct

titration, but in this, no indicator reagent is used; instead, an
electrode is used as an indicator. In potentiometric titrations,
a cell is used with a reference electrode, salt bridge, analyte
and an indicator electrode.
POTENTIOMETRIC

TITRATION PRINCIPLE

When the pair of electrodes are placed in the sample solution

or analyte, it shows the potential difference between two
electrodes by the addition of the titrant or by the change in
the concentration of ions.
The two electrodes are named reference electrodes and
indicator electrodes. The reference electrode is the
electrode that maintains its potential and remains stable
when dipped into a sample solution. An indicator
electrode is an electrode that responds to variation in
the potential of analyte solution. A salt bridge is used to
prevent interference of the analyte with the reference
electrode.
The electromotive force or overall potential difference can be calculated by using the following
formula –

Ecell = Eind – Eref + Ej

Where

Ecell = electromotive force of the complete cell

Eind = electromotive force of the indicator electrode

Eref = electromotive force of the reference electrode

Ej = electromotive force at the junction across the salt bridge

Sample 1.0

we have an electrochemical cell where the indicator

electrode potential is 0.8 v, the reference electrode potential
is 0.4 v and the potential junction is 0.1
Sample 1.1

Consider an electrochemical cell with a standard hydrogen

electrode (SHE) as the reference electrode. The cell consists
of a zinc electrode (Zn) immersed in a 0.1 M ZnSO4 solution
and a copper electrode (Cu) immersed in a 1.0 M CuSO4
solution. The standard reduction potentials are as follows:

- Cu2+(aq) + 2e- → Cu(s) E° = +0.34 V

- Zn2+(aq) + 2e- → Zn(s) E° = -0.76 V
Thank

you!