Solidified ionic liquid as crystalline sensing element of the bromide selective electrode

We report on the use of solidified ionic liquid (low-melting ionic solid, m.p. 78 °C) 1,3-dihexadecylimidazolium bromide, [(C16)2Im]Br, as a sensing layer in solid-state ion-selective electrode for bromide. This crystalline material demonstrates high selectivity to the target ion: both too small (strongly hydrated) and too large anions are discriminated. This pattern is in sharp contrast with usual Hofmeister-like series obtained for the sensor based on conventional plasticized PVC membrane containing the same compound, [(C16)2Im]Br.