A Nitric Oxide Sensor Using Reduction Current

Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) has a wide range of biologic activity. Methods commonly used for the detection of biologically derived NO are indirect and measure only the amount of NO released during an interval of time. An electrochemical method available is capable of being direct and continuous but is subject to interference. The recent explosion of scientific research into NO activity requires better methods of NO detection. This article reports a new NO electrochemical sensing method and sensor design. The tip of the sensor is covered with a hydrophobic membrane and contains an internal electrolyte. Platinum is used for the working and counter electrodes and silver/silver bromide (Ag/AgBr) for the reference electrode. The components of the internal electrolyte are potassium bromide and sulfuric acid. The NO that diffuses to the working electrode is first oxidized to NO+; the NO+ is reduced to NO; and the reduction current is determined. An integrated pulsed amperometric method is used to achieve the redox of NO and the measurement and integration of the reduction current. The results show that the NO sensor is sensitive and has a rapid response and less interference.
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