Measurement of high concentrations of copper in molten phases

A sensor has been developed for measurement of high concentrations of coppe r in molten phases. Cusicon (CuZr2(PO)(4)) electrolyte was used and instead of measuring the potential across the electrolyte from the reference mater ial to copper containing phase, a potential was applied and the current mea sured. When the potential was reversed, a different current was observed. T he ratio of these two currents was independent of the resistance of the ele ctrolyte and the surface area of the electrolyte offered to the melt. More importantly, the current ratio was strongly dependent on the activity of th e copper and, furthermore, by changing the applied potential, the sensitivi ty could be increased. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.