Innovation in potentiometry: 3D-printed polylactic acid-based ion-selective bulk electrode membranes

Abstract Although ion-selective membrane-based potentiometric sensors have already proved their analytical performance in several fields of life, applicability is still limited practice. Biodegradable, ionic additive-free, polylactic acid-based bulk electrode membrane matrix containing various environmentally friendly polyethylene glycol derivatives as plasticizer was developed for the first time to replace conventional PVC-based ones. Moreover, introduction 3D printing chemosensing also reported. It demonstrated that a thoroughly optimized and generalizable procedure filament extrusion combined with technology provides unique tool series production redesigned electrochemical membranes. Finally, detection Hg 2+ water carried out proof-of-concept study on sensing. Results showed an unexpected improvement characteristics novel membranes compared analogues. The present work expanded practical cation-selective enabling green, decentralized, automated state-of-the-art manufacturing using composition. Graphical abstract