Synthesis, properties, and applications of all-solid-state reference electrode based on AgTi2(PO4)3

High-density AgTi2(PO4)3 as a solid electrolyte was synthesised by a high-temperature solid-state process. The optimal sintering temperature was determined to obtain the best structural and electrical performance. Based on the as-prepared AgTi2(PO4)3 fast-ion conductor, a new type of all-solid-state reference electrode was prepared, and its electrochemical properties, such as cyclic voltammetry curves and potentials at varying pH, were investigated. A pH sensor was designed by combining an AgTi2(PO4)3 reference electrode with an Ir/IrO2 pH electrode. This pH sensor exhibited a good linear response to pH values in aqueous solutions and simulated seawater samples. In addition, a metal ion sensor, comprising the as-fabricated solid-state reference electrode, a Pt counter electrode, and a glassy carbon working electrode, was employed to quantify Cu2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+ concentrations using differential-pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The resulting peak currents correlated with the metal ion concentrations and exhibited a low detection limit, good linearity, and wide detection range, which is suitable for performing chemical analysis in harsh marine environments. •AgTi2(PO4)O3 (ATP), a fast-ion conductor material with excellent electrochemical properties, was synthesised by a high-temperature solid-state method.•An all-solid-state reference electrode based on ATP was prepared with good stability and sensitivity.•An pH sensor and an integrated all-solid-state electrochemical sensor based on an ATP reference electrode had good linear response to pH, Cu2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+ in aqueous solutions and simulated seawater.